My Investigative Question

My science question is:
How does hydrochloric acid affect the way a nail rusts? Why does it happen?



If you don't know what hydrochloric acid is, it's a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in water. It is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid and has major industrial uses. It is found naturally in gastric acid. During the Middle Ages, it was used by alchemists in the quest for the philosopher's stone.