Question

4. Though zinc coating is cheaper than tin coating on iron, only tin coating is used for iron containers for storing food materials. Identify the correct reason.

• A. Zinc is less reactive than tin
• B. Zinc acts as a preservative.
• C. Tin does not react with the components of the food material.
• D. Tin lowers the ambient temperature, and thus, prevents spoilage of food.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Tin does not react with the components of the food material.

Explanation for correct option:

Option (C):

• The process of applying a coating of Tin $\left(\mathrm{Sn}\right)$ on Iron $\left(\mathrm{Fe}\right)$ is called tinning. This process is used to prevent rusting of Iron.
• Tin-coated containers are used to preserve edible food materials like oil, meat, vegetables, etc. because tin does not react with the components of the food material.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option (A): Zinc $\left(\mathrm{Zn}\right)$ is a more reactive metal than tin.

Option (B): Zinc is a reactive metal so it can react with acids that are present in food and can cause food poisoning. So, it cannot act as a preservative.

Option (D): Tin is a less reactive metal so it does not react with acids that are present in food and does not spoil the food.

Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.