Explain the following terms with one example each.

(a) Corrosion
(b) Rancidity

Answer:

(a) Corrosion

Corrosion is the slow destruction of metals when they react with substances like oxygen, water, or acids in their environment.

Example:

• Rusting of iron is a common example.
  When iron reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, it forms rust (iron oxide):

  Iron + Oxygen + Water → Rust (Fe₂O₃⋅xH₂O)

(b) Rancidity

Rancidity is the process in which oils and fats in food get oxidized, leading to a bad smell and taste.

Example:

• Chips or fried snacks can become rancid if kept open for too long.
  That’s why they are packed in airtight bags filled with nitrogen to prevent rancidity.