Chapter 17, Problem 26Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The Table $17-1$ showing reduction potential values of various elements is given. The reason behind the corrosion of most of the metals and the difficulty in corrosion of noble metals like, gold, platinum, and silver is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The metal undergoes oxidation and the oxygen undergoes reduction during corrosion. So, the metal with reduction potential values lower than oxygen easily gets corroded in the air.

To determine: The reason of corrosion of most of the metals in air and the reason of difficulty in the corrosion of noble metals like gold, platinum, and silver.