How does corrosion occur at the least oxygenated areas?

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Corrosion, particularly rust formation on iron, occurs in environments where moisture is present, such as groundwater, rather than solely in areas with high oxygen levels. The chemical reaction for rusting involves both water and oxygen, specifically represented by the equation 4Fe + 2H2O + 3O2 -> 4FeO(OH). Notably, significant corrosion from dry oxygen alone requires elevated temperatures of around 300°C. This explains why rust tends to form on iron that is partially immersed in the ground, where it is exposed to moisture, rather than in more oxygen-rich but dry environments.
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I cannot conceptualize on how corrosion does not occur in more oxygenated areas. Consider a nail partially immersed underground. Why does the rust form where the iron which is exposed to the least oxygen and not the other way around?

Kindly explain. Thanks in advance.
Thanks
 
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Arceus74 said:
Summary:: I cannot conceptualize on how corrosion does not occur in more oxygenated areas. Consider a nail partially immersed underground. Why does the rust form where the iron which is exposed to the least oxygen and not the other way around?

Kindly explain. Thanks in advance.

Thanks
The rusting reaction in case of nail and ground do include groundwater in addition to oxygen.
4Fe+2H2O+3O2->4FeO(OH)
For noticeable corrosion of iron by dry oxygen, temperature of about 300C is required.
 
trurle said:
The rusting reaction in case of nail and ground do include groundwater in addition to oxygen.
4Fe+2H2O+3O2->4FeO(OH)
For noticeable corrosion of iron by dry oxygen, temperature of about 300C is required.

Hello,

Thanks for your insights.
 

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