45. In the electrochemical mechanism of Iron rusting, what specific chemical species is reduced at t — Electrochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Rusting acts as a miniature Galvanic cell. Iron metal oxidizes at the anode ($Fe \rightarrow Fe^{2+} + 2e^-$). At the cathode, dissolved atmospheric oxygen is reduced in the presence of $H^+$ (from carbonic acid or moisture) to form water: $O_2 + 4H^+ + 4e^- \rightarrow 2H_2O$.