The acid that is used to remove rust is..?

March 18, 2026Chemistry

ScanSolve AI Answer

March 18, 2026

Answer

phosphoric acid

The acid used to remove rust (iron(III) oxide, $\mathrm{Fe_2O_3}$ ) is phosphoric acid.

Step 1: Reaction of rust with phosphoric acid
$Fe_2O_3 + 2H_3PO_4 \to 2FePO_4 \downarrow + 3H_2O$

Step 2: Iron(III) phosphate ( $\mathrm{FePO_4}$ ) is insoluble and easily removed by scrubbing, leaving clean metal surface.

Final answer
phosphoric acid

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Quick Answer

The acid used to remove rust (iron(III) oxide, Fe_2O_3) is phosphoric acid.

Asked on March 18, 2026Chemistry

This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.

ScanSolve AI AnswerAnswered on March 18, 2026

The acid used to remove rust (iron(III) oxide, Fe_2O_3) is phosphoric acid. Step 1: Reaction of rust with phosphoric acid Fe_2O_3 + 2H_3PO_4 2FePO_4 + 3H_2O Step 2: Iron(III) phosphate (FePO_4) is insoluble and easily removed by scrubbing, leaving clean metal surface. Final answer phosphoric acid