Difference Between Erosion and Corrosion
Both corrosion and erosion happen due to certain external actions on a surface. Corrosion means the destruction of materials through chemical reactions whereas erosion means the carrying away of the topsoil from the surface of the earth.
Corrosion normally happens because of chemical reactions. Erosion occurs by chemical reactions and by certain forces of nature. Corrosion also means the loss of electrons from the metals when it comes in contact with the moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. Erosion happens because of natural forces like water and wind. Other factors such as acid rain, salt effects and oxidation of materials are also known to cause erosion.
In terms of the process, corrosion is an electro chemical process whereas erosion is a physical process. The corrosion of metals is often referred to as rusting and it is evident in the material itself. Erosion is a natural process that removes or carries away materials from one place to another. For instance, when sand is carried away from the beach or riverbanks, it is still sand even after erosion. Corrosion isn’t like that. When corrosion takes place, the material will be transformed to another chemical compound known as rust.
Various types of corrosion include galvanic, crevice, pitting, intergranular and selective leaching. Erosion also involves several different processes like weathering, transportation, and dissolution. Both corrosion and erosion can be prevented. To prevent corrosion, a protective layer is coated on the surface of the metal that constantly comes in contact with the atmosphere. Terracing the terrain or planting more trees on the surfaces where erosion is likely to happen can prevent erosion.
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It’s possible also to have an erosion-corrosion mechanism. In this case there is a combined effect, mechanical and chemical.
as u said erosion is physical phenomenon, so how oxidation of matels could be cause of erosion at the end of oxidition products would be chemically different it is purely chemical change
Hi, Faizan
As per theory of physical chemistry sub sect (Electron Theory)
Oxidation means Removal of electrons
Reduction means Addition of electrons
and the removal or addition of such electrons are usually contributed by the nature of chemicals or fluids which pass over the surface of the metal.
well done , its my duty to appreciate your efforts whatever you mention in your website regarding differences between corrosion and erosion , you cleared the differences it in a good way.
Could you define little bit more in easy work with one-one example.
Erosion is the formation of solid particles layer like salts etc. on the surface on pipes
&
Corrosion is the formation of rust by decomposition of pipe surface
Is it right ?