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great chemistry question. rusting is a redox reaction (transfer of electrons). since zinc has a higher activity for reating than does the iron, when together, zinc and iron, even though both metals would like to oxidize (lose electrons, become the metallic part of an ionic compound, or rust), only the metal with the higher activity level can. so, zinc "rusts", meaning the zinc will become oxidized (zinc atoms become zinc ions and for into zinc-anion compounds, leaving the iron to remain intact, with those great iron properties such as strength (your boat doesn't bend, your bridge doesn't collapse). redox is quite neat, rusting forms iron into Iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3, and has wonderful properties of its own, just not so good in the strength department.
Zinc protects steel from rusting through a process called galvanization. When zinc is applied to the surface of steel, it acts as a barrier, preventing oxygen and moisture from coming into contact with the steel. This barrier layer of zinc corrodes first, sacrificing itself to protect the underlying steel.
Zinc is used to protect steel from rusting because it is more reactive than than iron. When galvanized (zinc-coated) stell is exposed to oxidizing conditions a small electric current forms which in essence protects the steel from corrosion as the zinc corrodes instead.
The metal is most commonly used as an anti-corrosion agent. Galvanization, which is the coating of iron or steel to protect the metals against corrosion, is the most familiar form of using zinc in this way. In 2009 in the United States, 55% or 893 thousand tonnes of the zinc metal was used for galvanization.
Zinc is more reactive than iron or steel and thus will attract almost all local oxidation until it completely corrodes away. A protective surface layer of oxide and carbonate (Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2) forms as the zinc corrodes. This protection lasts even after the zinc layer is scratched but degrades through time as the zinc corrodes away.
Source: Wikipedia-en
It has to do with the "nobility" of the two metals according to the galvanic series. If you put two metals in an electrolyte, like water, the less-noble metal will be attacked. The only metal less noble than zinc is magnesium, which is used as an anode only in water heaters because it's more expensive than zinc. Zinc isn't used in a water heater because drinking too much zinc is bad for you.
The zinc "rusts" (oxidizes) first ... but zinc oxide isn't the soft porous material that iron oxide is - thus the coating stays intact.
It is basically sacrificial corrosion,
Since zinc is more reactive than iron, an acid would react with it rather than the iron
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What metal coats a galvanized nail?
A galvanized nail is coated with a layer of zinc metal to protect it from corrosion and rusting.
Steel rain gutters are coated with zinc metal to do what?
Steel rain gutters are coated with zinc metal to protect them from corrosion. The zinc coating acts as a barrier that prevents the underlying steel from coming into contact with moisture and other corrosive elements, extending the lifespan of the gutters. This process is known as galvanization.
What are the elements is used to protect iron from rusting and has good electrical conductivity?
One element that can protect iron from rusting and has good electrical conductivity is zinc. Zinc can be used as a sacrificial coating on iron surfaces through a process called galvanization, where the zinc layer corrodes instead of the iron. This protects the iron from rusting while providing good electrical conductivity.
You can use zinc to stop things rusting how do you do that?
Galvanising is the act of coating a metal (iron or steel) in a thin layer of zinc. The metal is dipped in molten zinc.
What do they coat steel with to prevent rusting?
Hot dipped zinc is one common treatment, but there are others.
What metal coats a galvanized nail?
A galvanized nail is coated with a layer of zinc metal to protect it from corrosion and rusting.
What is galvanized steel an alloy of?
Galvanized steel is not an alloy itself but rather a coating of zinc applied to steel to protect it from corrosion. The steel underneath the zinc coating is typically a carbon steel.
Steel rain gutters are coated with zinc metal to do what?
Steel rain gutters are coated with zinc metal to protect them from corrosion. The zinc coating acts as a barrier that prevents the underlying steel from coming into contact with moisture and other corrosive elements, extending the lifespan of the gutters. This process is known as galvanization.
Why are water pipes galvanised?
To control rusting. Galvanizing means that a layer of zinc metal is placed on top of steel. Zinc forms a protective layer that keeps the steel from rusting.
What cause zinc to rust?
Zinc doesn't rust; zinc protect iron (and alloys) from rusting.
What is the base metal for galvanised iron pipe?
The base metal for galvanized iron pipe is steel. The steel pipe is coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion and rusting.
What metal do you use to protect steel from corroding?
Zinc is commonly used to protect steel from corrosion through a process called galvanization, where a protective zinc coating is applied to the steel. This coating acts as a barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment, preventing corrosion.
Which metals can be used to protect iron from rusting and how?
Try covering it in Zinc
What is a watering can made of?
they are normally formed from plastics or galvanised steel (steel that is coated in zinc to prevent it rusting)
Is there something cool about zinc?
It can stop steel from rusting. That's pretty cool. :)
What helps protect steel from rusting?
rust proof
What metal is user to galvanize iron to protect it from rusting?
This metal is zinc (Zn).
