Question detail

Explain why zinc is used in galvanising iron instead of other metals.

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

Question

Type

exam_style

Style

Topic

Using materials

Question

Explain why zinc is used in galvanising iron instead of other metals.

Answer

Zinc is used in galvanising because it is more reactive than iron. This means that if the zinc coating is scratched, it will corrode first, protecting the underlying iron from rusting.

Explanation

This question assesses the student's ability to apply knowledge of reactivity series to explain the choice of zinc for galvanising. The answer demonstrates an understanding of sacrificial protection, which is a key concept in corrosion prevention.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Galvanising

Students often think galvanising involves coating iron with zinc to prevent rusting, but they confuse it with other protective methods.

Clarify that galvanising specifically refers to the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron to prevent corrosion.

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