Galvanization is a method of protecting iron from rusting by coating with a thin layer of

Galvanization is a chemical process used to protect iron and steel from rusting by applying a thin protective coating of Zinc (Option C). This method is highly effective for increasing the longevity of metal structures exposed to the environment.

• Physical Barrier: The zinc layer prevents oxygen and moisture, the primary causes of oxidation, from reaching the underlying iron surface.
• Sacrificial Protection: Zinc is more reactive than iron. In the presence of an electrolyte (like moisture), zinc acts as a sacrificial anode and corrodes first, protecting the iron even if the coating is slightly damaged or scratched.
• Application: The most common technique is hot-dip galvanizing, where the iron component is submerged in a bath of molten zinc at high temperatures.

Because of its durability and cost-effectiveness, galvanization is widely used in construction, automotive industries, and for manufacturing household items like buckets and pipes.