Question

Food cans are coated with tin and not zinc because -

• A. Zinc is costlier than tin
• B. Zinc has a higher melting point than tin
• C. zinc is more reactive than tin
• D. zinc is less reactive than tin

Answer 1

The correct option is C

zinc is more reactive than tin

Tin($\mathrm{Sn}$) is a weaker metal in terms of reacting with acids whereas Zinc($\mathrm{Zn}$) reacts heavily even with weaker acids.

Explanation for correct option:

(C) Less reactivity of Tin($\mathrm{Sn}$)

Tin($\mathrm{Sn}$) is very less reactive, it only reacts with strong acids but Zinc($\mathrm{Zn}$) is highly reactive and it can react with weak acids that are found in food. Thus, to prevent food poisoning food cans are coated with less reactive and cheaper metal tin.

Therefore, the correct option is (C).