What feature does a zinc coating provide to an object?

What feature does a zinc coating provide to an object?

• A. Increased electrical resistance
• B. A protective coating against corrosion
• C. Higher melting point
• D. Better conductivity

Answer: (B)

Zinc coating provides corrosion protection for the underlying metal. Zinc is more reactive than iron, so it acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding first and protecting the steel surface from rust. The coating also forms a protective barrier that slows moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal. Because the coating is thin, it doesn’t significantly change electrical resistance or conductivity, and it doesn’t raise the melting point of the object. So the primary purpose is to guard against corrosion, not to alter electrical or thermal properties.

Zinc coating provides corrosion protection for the underlying metal. Zinc is more reactive than iron, so it acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding first and protecting the steel surface from rust. The coating also forms a protective barrier that slows moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal. Because the coating is thin, it doesn’t significantly change electrical resistance or conductivity, and it doesn’t raise the melting point of the object. So the primary purpose is to guard against corrosion, not to alter electrical or thermal properties.