Rust is iron that has been oxidized. The oxidation of iron, or any iron alloy (See “History of Chemistry”), can occur whenever iron is in the presence of oxygen and water. The chemical reaction involves electrons from the iron being transferred to oxygen atoms, which react with water molecules to eventually form iron oxides. The presence of ions, like salt or H₃O⁺ in acidic solutions, can accelerate the rate of these reactions. Preventing rust usually requires a protective coating that prevents the iron from reacting with oxygen and water.