Question

Galvanisation is a method of protecting iron from rusting by coating with a thin layer of

• A. Gallium
• B. Aluminium
• C. Zinc
• D. Silver

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Zinc

The explanation for the correct answer:-

Option (C) Zinc:

1. Galvanization is the process where Iron(Fe) and Steel are protected from rusting or corrosion with the help of Zinc(Zn).
2. In this process the iron or the steel is covered with a Zinc coating.
3. This zinc-coated surface avoids the corrosion and weathering effects on the iron or steel by preventing the interaction of the surface with the atmosphere.

The explanation for the incorrect answer:-

Option (A) Gallium:

1. Gallium is a soft metal of group 13 that is mainly used in making electronic circuits and LEDs.
2. Since galvanizing is done only by Zinc, thus Gallium is not preferred for it.

Option (B) Aluminium:

1. Since we know that Aluminium(Al) is placed higher in the reactivity series, thus it is more reactive than Zinc.
2. This is why aluminum is not preferred for galvanizing, although there is another technique called Aluminizing, where aluminum is used.

Option (D) Silver:

1. Due to its ability to reflect light Silver(Ag) is used in making jewelry and mirror.
2. They get easily tarnished when in contact with moisture.
3. Because of the reactivity of silver and also the cost of Silver is more that of Zinc, they are not preferred for galvanizing.

Therefore, galvanization is a method of protecting iron from rusting by coating it with a thin layer of option (C) Zinc.