Why is brass resistant to corrosion?

[KAS90]

hey there..
I read that brass "an alloy of copper and zinc" doesn't corrode unless more than 15% of zinc is added..
My question is.. what is the reason behind the resistance of corrosion of brass? does it have 2 do with the electronegativity or sumthing like that?
I'd appreciate ur response and help a lot..
Thanks in advance..

 

[03myersd]

It would eventually corrode. But the way it works is that zinc is an electron donor. When the copper is ready to corrode, or oxidise (lost an electron), the zinc is there waiting to give it another to replace the lost electron. Obviously this cannot go on indefinately. Its the same reason why we get zinc coated nails etc.

As to why is corrodes if more than 15% is added... No idea.

 

[Blueshift5]

I can provide an explanation for why brass does not corrode easily. The main reason is due to the composition of brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. Copper is a very stable metal and does not readily react with oxygen or water, which are the main causes of corrosion. Zinc, on the other hand, is a more reactive metal and can easily form a protective layer on the surface of brass, preventing further corrosion. This layer is made up of zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier between the brass and the environment. The amount of zinc added to brass also plays a role in its resistance to corrosion, as mentioned in the statement. When the zinc content is below 15%, the protective layer may not be as strong, making the brass more susceptible to corrosion. Additionally, the electronegativity of the metals in brass does play a role in its corrosion resistance, as the more electronegative metal (zinc) tends to form a protective layer on the less electronegative metal (copper). Overall, the combination of these factors contributes to the corrosion resistance of brass. I hope this helps answer your question.