The deterioration of a metal due to a chemical reaction in the environment is called what?

Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal caused by chemical reactions with its environment. The classic example is iron rusting when exposed to water and oxygen, forming iron oxide that weakens the metal over time. This is a chemical process, not a physical wearing away. Erosion is different—it's material loss from mechanical action like flowing water. Oxidation is a chemical change that often drives corrosion, but corrosion is the broader term for metal damage due to environmental reactions. Decay describes organic matter breaking down, not metal.