Deterioration of metal due to oxidation is known as what?

• A. Oxidation
• B. Corrosion
• C. Tarnish
• D. Passivation

Answer: (B)

Deterioration of metal due to reactions with its environment is called corrosion. In metals, oxidation—loss of electrons by metal atoms when they meet oxygen, water, or acids—often drives corrosion, but corrosion is the broader process that covers the overall material degradation and formation of oxides, hydroxides, or other compounds. Tarnish is only a surface discoloration from a thin oxide or sulfide layer and can be mainly cosmetic, not necessarily indicating deep material damage. Passivation, on the other hand, is the formation of a protective oxide layer that slows or prevents corrosion. So the term that best describes deterioration caused by oxidation in metals is corrosion.