Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2290 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Passivation Defined
Captions available
The idea
Passivation is the formation of a thin, nonreactive surface coating, usually an oxide, that slows a metal's further reaction with its environment.
In practice
Aluminum's tough oxide layer lets it resist corrosion despite aluminum metal itself being highly reactive.
Where people slip
A passivated metal is not unreactive — it is protected only until that coating is physically disrupted.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry