Question

Galvanization is applying a coating of

Answer 1

The process of protecting the surface of iron or steel by the means of a protective layer applied on the surface is known as galvanization. The layer protects the surface of the material from getting corroded. Due to the reaction with the compounds that are present in the atmosphere and which may harm the surface of the material.

Complete answer:
The layer used to protect the surface of iron or steel is zinc. The coating of element zinc acts as a barrier between the iron harmful compounds responsible for oxidation, which causes rusting of iron. When a galvanized material comes in contact with the surroundings and the harmful compounds. The layer of zinc present on the surface of the material reacts with compounds and prevents the oxidation of iron.
The reactivity of zinc is more than that of iron. When a galvanized material oxidizes the zinc present on the surface reacts with oxygen and water to form a protective layer of zinc oxide on the surface of the iron.
Zinc continuously disintegrates and reacts with the surrounding to prevent rusting of iron. Zinc prevents iron for a long time and if in case the galvanization broke the reactive element zinc reacts with iron and prevents the rusting of the inner layers of iron.
Hence, galvanization is applying a coating of zinc.

Note:
Other than zinc we can also use a chromium layer to protect the iron surface. But chromium is economically not feasible for the prevention of iron. One other method to prevent rusting is applying a layer of paint on the surface of the iron. Or we can also use alloys instead of iron.