The correct answer is "Iron and oxygen act as Fe3+ and O2− ions respectively, forming rust (Fe₂O₃) in the presence of water by the formation of an ionic bond".
Explanation:
Rust is formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water (either if the iron is submerged or exposed to moisture in the air), forming the chemical compound Fe₂O₃. The presence of water is needed for rust formation because iron and oxygen act as ions when they are exposed to water, particularly Fe3+ and O2− ions respectively. The bond formed between these two elements are ionic bonds, because it is comprised of the reaction between a metal (iron) and a non-metal (oxygen).
