Call

$Fe(s) + 1/2O_2 rarr FeO(s)$

This is a very simplified representation of the oxidation of . But if there are $2.4*mol$ of iron metal, it should react with $1.2*mol$ of dioxygen gas to give $2.4*mol$ of iron oxide, as per the stoichiometric equation.

When rust occurs on a bridge or on a steel structure, it is a surface phenomenon.