Statement 1: Rusting of Iron can be prevented by forming a layer of a substance that is chemically inert to the atmosphere.
Statement 2: The inert layer prevents the metal from interacting with the atmosphere.
Both statements are true, 2 is the explanation of 1
Rusting of iron happens when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture from the atmosphere. Hence rusting can be prevented by cutting off the surface of the metal from getting exposed to the atmosphere. This is done by some methods like painting, oiling, greasing, galvanising, chrome plating, anodising, etc. where a layer of different substance is coated on the metal surface to prevent it to further react with the external atmosphere. It is essential that the external coating is inert to the atmosphere.