Final answer:
Iron loses its shine due to the formation of rust when exposed to oxygen. Painting the iron helps prevent corrosion.
Explanation:
Iron metal loses its shine when left exposed because it reacts with oxygen in the air, forming iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Rust does not provide a protective film, leading to the continual flaking off of rust and exposing fresh metal, which reacts with oxygen and water.
One way to prevent iron from corroding is by painting it to create a barrier that stops water and oxygen from reaching the iron surface. However, if the paint is scratched or peeled off, the iron remains vulnerable to rust formation.
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