Question:
State two ways to prevent the rusting of iron?
Solution:
- Barrier protection: In this method, a barrier film is introduced between iron and atmospheric oxygen and moisture. Barrier protection can be achieved by painting the surface, by coating the surface with a thin film of oil or grease, or by electroplating iron with some non-corrosive metal such as nickel, chromium, copper, etc.
- Sacrificial protection: In this method, the surface of iron is covered with a layer of more active metal like zinc. This active metal loses electrons (undergoes oxidation) in preference to iron and hence, prevents the rusting of iron. Zinc metal is generally used for protecting iron and the process is called galvanization.
