Medium⏱ timeDays$ cost5
Galvanic Corrosion Race
Pair different metals in salt water and watch which one sacrifices itself to rust.
Start building ↓
Result first
The build
Step 01
Set up cups
Place salt water in several cups.
Step 02
Pair metals
Wrap each nail with a different metal and submerge.
Step 03
Leave a control
Keep one bare nail alone.
Step 04
Track rust
Check daily for which corrodes fastest.
Working Principle
When two metals touch in salt water, the more reactive one corrodes faster and protects the other — a galvanic cell forming naturally.
The science behind it
A closer look
Zinc corrodes to protect iron (sacrificial protection), while copper makes iron rust faster — key knowledge for ships and pipes.
Take it further
Variables to test
- 1 Which pairing protects iron best?
- 2 Add more salt — does corrosion speed up?
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