Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

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What is usually required for the oxidation of lubricants to occur?

  1. Heat

  2. Water

  3. Air

  4. Oil additives

The correct answer is: Air

The oxidation of lubricants is a chemical process that typically requires the presence of air, as it contains oxygen, which is essential for the oxidation reaction to occur. When lubricants are exposed to air, oxygen can react with certain components within the lubricant, potentially leading to degradation and loss of performance over time. Although heat can accelerate the oxidation process, making it happen more quickly, it is not a necessary component for oxidation to initiate. Water can also cause issues, but it is more related to the breakdown of lubricating properties rather than directly facilitating oxidation. Oil additives might play a role in enhancing the stability of lubricants against oxidation but do not themselves fulfill the requirement for oxidation to occur. Therefore, air stands out as the critical factor in the oxidation of lubricants, making it the correct answer.