Question

What is galvanized iron? How is galvanized iron protected from rust?

Answer 1

We need to know that the iron is a chemical element having the symbol $'Fe'$ with atomic number $26$ the iron is a metal which is a member of first transition series with group eight and the period four in the periodic table. The mineral of iron is present in our body which is essential for many functions. And galvanization is a method of applying zinc coating as a protecting agent to iron and steel.

Complete answer:
The galvanizing iron contains a layer of zinc. Because, during the galvanizing process, the zinc coat will be added on the top of the iron. Hence, we can say that galvanizing is the process which applies the zinc coat on steel or iron as a protecting agent. This zinc will protect the iron from rust. There are different processes for the preparation of galvanized iron. The hop – dip method is the common method for the galvanization process. During the hop – dip method, the iron metal is dipping to the hot and molten zinc. Then that molten zinc will be deposited on the surface of the iron.
The galvanizing is to protect the iron from rust. Because it acts as a barrier which prevents the corrosive material from attaching the surface of iron as well as steel metal. Here, the zinc sacrifices itself. This is because, even if the coating on the outside of the iron is damaged for some reasons, the remaining zinc will protect the exposed iron from rust.

Note:
We have to know that the iron coated with a zinc is known as galvanized iron. Here, the zinc will protect the iron from rust. Because, the zinc will act as a barrier between the corrosion process. Therefore, the rust will not easily react with moisture present in the atmosphere and there is no chance of the formation of iron oxide by corrosion. And the resistance to rust corrosion mainly depends on the thickness and type of galvanized zinc which is used for the protection.