Rusting is an electrochemical process requiring both oxygen and water (moisture). The overall reaction: 4Fe + 3O₂ + 2xH₂O → 2Fe₂O₃·xH₂O. In the absence of either, rusting does not occur. Salt accelerates rusting by increasing conductivity. Prevention methods include painting, greasing, galvanization, and cathodic protection. Rust is hydrated iron(III) oxide, a reddish-brown flaky substance, not protective.
Explanation:
H₂O₂ decomposes when exposed to light (photochemical decomposition): 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂. Light provides energy to break the O–O bond. To prevent decomposition, it is stored in amber or opaque bottles, often with stabilizers like urea or phosphoric acid. Also, traces of heavy metal ions catalyze decomposition. H₂O₂ is a strong oxidizing agent and bleaching agent.
Explanation:
Nitrification is a two-step aerobic process in the nitrogen cycle. First, ammonia (NH3) is oxidized to nitrites (NO2-) by bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrosococcus. In the second step, nitrites are oxidized to nitrates (NO3-) by Nitrobacter. Rhizobium fixes nitrogen, and Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen fixer.
Explanation:
Bauxite (Al₂O₃·2H₂O) is the principal ore of aluminium. Haematite is Fe₂O₃, galena is PbS, cinnabar is HgS. Bauxite is refined by Bayer's process to produce alumina, then electrolytically reduced (Hall-Héroult process).
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