mushroom_head
holey moley!
What's the difference between a passivating metal and an active metal? i couldn't really find a clear definition in my text books
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metal definitions (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mushroom_head
- Start date
A passivating metal is one which reacts with the atmosphere, usually oxygen, to form a surface layer which is impermeable and therefore prevents further reaction e.g. aluminium, zinc. An active metal like iron on the other hand reacts with oxygen and water but the surface layer is porous so corrosion continues until eventually it all crumbles away.