Question

Explain why the iron articles are galvanized?

Answer 1

Galvanization

• Galvanization is a method in which iron or steel articles are coated with Zinc (Zn).
• Galvanization is done in order to prevent iron or steel articles from rusting.

Importance of Galvanization:

1. Galvanization prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the iron articles and hence prevents the iron from rusting.
2. In galvanization, Zinc (Zn) acts as a sacrificial metal, Hence galvanization is also known as the sacrificial protection method.
3. Due to the lower reduction potential of Zn, it can be more easily oxidized than Iron.
4. Because of the lower reduction potential of zinc, it is a very active metal.
5. If moisture and oxygen act on the surface, due to the lower reduction potential of zinc it will oxidize before iron to form a protective layer of Zinc Oxide.

Therefore, to avoid rusting, iron articles are galvanized and the zinc layer acts as a protective layer after galvanization.