Question

Why are iron food cans electroplated ​with tin for storing food? ​

Answer 1

Iron food cans are electroplated ​with tin for storing food because of the following reasons.

• Tin is a non-reactive metal whereas iron is a reactive metal. If food is stored in an iron container, it might react with iron and get spoiled. (1 mark)
• Coating of tin prevents food from coming in contact with iron and thus, prevents it from getting spoiled. Therefore, electroplating of tin is done on iron cans to make the cans fit for storing food. (1 mark)