Question

Zinc is used to protect iron from corrosion because zinc is _____.

• A. more electropositive than iron
• B. cheaper than iron
• C. a bluish white metal
• D. a good conductor of heat and electricity

Answer 1

The correct option is A more electropositive than iron

Zinc is able to protect iron from corrosion because it is more electropositive than iron. The process of coating iron with zinc is called as galvanisation. The Zinc forms a think layer of Zinc carbonate on the iron and since the standard reduction potential of Zinc is less than iron, the iron does not undergo corrosion and the Zinc undergoes oxidation first.