The
oxidation portion of the reaction results
in the
actual loss of metal
Fe
<--> Fe+2 + 2 e- Step one
(OX)
Fe+2 <--> Fe+3 + e- Step two (OX)
Fe
<--> Fe+3 + 3 e- Overall
Oxidation half-reaction
The reduction
portion of the reaction
drives the
process of corrosion
O2 + 2 H20 + 4 e- <--> 4 OH- Reduction half-reaction