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Rusty Iron Gate: Electrochemical Corrosion Cell

Cross-section view of iron corrosion as a real electrochemical cell — anodic Fe dissolution and cathodic oxygen reduction sites, linked by electron flow through the metal and ion flow through a moisture film, precipitating rust where Fe2+ meets OH-.

Chemistry & Materials2DEasy60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

A side-view cross-section of an iron bar under a thin moisture film, modelled as the real electrochemical cell that it is: scratches and impurities act as anodic sites where iron dissolves as Fe²⁺, the surrounding passive surface acts as the cathode where dissolved oxygen is reduced to OH⁻, and electrons complete the circuit through the metal while ions complete it through the film. Rust precipitates where the two ion clouds meet and diffuse. Adjust moisture, salt, oxygen exposure and background impurities to see the corrosion rate respond, and click or drag along the bar to add fresh scratch sites.

⚙ Under the hood

A 2D cross-section of an iron bar's corrosion cell — anodic Fe dissolution and cathodic O2 reduction sites linked by electron flow through the metal and ion flow through a moisture film, precipitating rust where Fe2+ meets OH-.

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2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install