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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 87a

Determine whether or not each metal, if coated onto iron, would prevent the corrosion of iron. a. Zn

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Galvanic Protection

Galvanic protection is a method of preventing corrosion by using a more reactive metal to protect a less reactive one. When a more reactive metal, such as zinc, is coated onto iron, it acts as a sacrificial anode. This means that zinc will corrode preferentially, thereby protecting the underlying iron from oxidation and rusting.
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Electrochemical Series

The electrochemical series is a list of metals arranged by their standard electrode potentials. Metals higher in the series are more reactive and can displace those lower in the series from their compounds. Understanding where zinc and iron fall in this series helps predict that zinc can effectively protect iron from corrosion due to its higher reactivity.
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Corrosion Mechanism

Corrosion is an electrochemical process where metals react with environmental factors, leading to deterioration. For iron, corrosion typically occurs when it oxidizes in the presence of moisture and oxygen, forming rust. By applying a protective coating of a more reactive metal like zinc, the corrosion mechanism can be interrupted, thus extending the life of the iron.
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