Galvanisation protects iron from rusting by coating it with a thin layer of:
- ((a))
Silver metal only
- ((b))
Copper metal only
- ((c))
Nickel metal only
- ((d))
Zinc metal only
Show Answer
Zinc metal only
The correct answer is Zinc metal only.

Key Points
- Galvanisation is a metallurgical process used to protect Iron and Steel from Rusting by applying a thin, protective coating of Zinc.
- The process is highly effective because Zinc acts as a physical barrier between the metal and the atmosphere, preventing Oxygen and Moisture from reaching the surface of the Iron.
- The most common method utilized in industries is Hot-dip galvanizing, where the metal components are submerged in a bath of molten Zinc at temperatures typically around 450 degrees Celsius (842 degrees Fahrenheit).
- A unique feature of this process is Sacrificial Protection; since Zinc is more chemically active (electropositive) than Iron, it corrodes in preference to the Iron, even if the coating is scratched or damaged.
- While other metals like Nickel, Chromium, or Tin can be used for coating (in processes like electroplating), the specific term Galvanisation refers exclusively to the application of Zinc.

Additional Information
- Rusting of Iron:
- Rusting is an oxidation reaction that occurs when Iron reacts with Oxygen in the presence of Water or Moisture.
- The chemical formula for rust is Fe2O3.nH2O, which is known as Hydrated Iron(III) Oxide. It is a reddish-brown flaky substance that weakens the structural integrity of the metal.
- Other Methods of Rust Prevention:
- Painting and Greasing: Provides a simple barrier to block Air and Water.
- Alloying: Mixing Iron with elements like Chromium (at least 10.5%) and Nickel produces Stainless Steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion.
- Anodizing: Primarily used for Aluminium, it thickens the natural oxide layer on the metal surface.
- Tinning: Coating Iron or Steel with Tin, often used for food containers as Tin is non-toxic.
- Comparison of Options:
- Silver: It is an expensive precious metal and would be economically unviable for industrial rust protection.
- Copper: If used as a coating, it can actually accelerate the corrosion of Iron if the coating is breached because Iron is more reactive than Copper.
- Nickel: Used in Electroplating to provide a shiny finish and corrosion resistance, but it does not provide the same sacrificial protection as Zinc.

Important Points
- The term Galvanisation is named after the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani, who studied the effects of electricity on biological tissues, though the industrial coating process was developed later in the 19th Century.
- In a Galvanic Cell setup, the Zinc acts as the Anode and the Iron acts as the Cathode, ensuring the base metal remains protected as long as the Zinc is present.
- Common applications of galvanized Iron include Roofing sheets, Water pipes, Fencing, and Automotive body parts.

































































