Which of the following describes the process of galvanization that protects steel from rusting? (a) Steel is coated with a layer of paint. (b) Iron in steel is oxidized to form a protective oxide coating. (c) Steel is coated with zinc because zinc is more easily oxidized than iron. (d) A strip of magnesium is attached to steel because the magnesium is more easily oxidized than iron.

Video transcript

Hello. In this problem we are asked which of the following best explains how galvanizing prevents or minimizes rusting of steel, galvanizing is a process of coating iron or steel with a metal like zinc to prevent resting. And so if we consider the oxidation of iron, which is the first step in the formation of rust, and the standard Oxidation potential, which is equal magnitude but opposite in sign to the standard reduction potential, which is 0.44V. And we compare that then to zinc being oxidized form zinc ions. Standard oxidation potential is equal to 0.7618 given the larger and more positive value for oxidation of zinc relative to that for iron says that zinc will be oxidized preferentially to that of iron. So now let's look at the answers that were provided. So in the first one it says the molten metals like zinc that are more easily oxidized iron are used to coat steel which prevents the steel from rusting. So this is our correct answer. Let's go ahead and look at the other answers that were provided. The next one says be iron oxide is added as a layer and steel in order to prevent further oxidation of iron. So that's not what's taking place. Steel is covered with illustrious paint that we're not painting the metal and the last one says steel is connected to a metal like magnesium that is more easily oxidized, which prevents steel from rusting and so we aren't um connecting to another medal. This process is actually what's called catholic protection. So the is also incorrect. So A is the correct answer. Thanks for watching Hope this helps.