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Which of the following is the best method to prevent corrosion of iron in coastal areas?
Immersing in cold water
Painting with oil-based paints
Galvanisation
Heating the iron periodically
Galvanisation
Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent rusting. In coastal areas, the high salt content and humidity accelerate corrosion, making the sacrificial protection provided by zinc (which oxidizes before iron) the most effective industrial method.
Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent rusting. In coastal areas, the high salt content and humidity accelerate corrosion, making the sacrificial protection provided by zinc (which oxidizes before iron) the most effective industrial method.
This is a fundamental concept in Chemistry within the 'Metals and Non-metals' chapter, which is a staple in the General Science section of the UPSC, SSC CGL, and RRB NTPC examinations.
Zinc has a lower reduction potential than iron, acting as a sacrificial anode.
Coastal regions have high atmospheric salinity, which acts as an electrolyte to speed up the electrochemical corrosion of iron.
Galvanised steel is widely used in construction, highway guardrails, and shipping equipment due to its durability.
Painting with oil-based paints (Option B) is a temporary barrier method that can peel or crack in high humidity, exposing the iron to salt spray.
Cold water immersion (Option A) actually provides oxygen and electrolytes, which promotes rather than prevents rust.
Heating iron periodically (Option D) is ineffective and would likely induce surface oxidation or structural weakness.
Zinc coating forms a barrier and also offers electrochemical protection; even if the coating is scratched, the zinc corrodes preferentially.
C is correct тАФ Galvanisation provides superior, long-lasting corrosion resistance in harsh saline environments by coating iron with a layer of zinc.
In Chemistry exams, always distinguish between 'Sacrificial Protection' (like Galvanisation using Zinc) and 'Barrier Protection' (like Painting or Greasing) as questions often test which is better for long-term maritime exposure.