4, Because of its cost and strength, steel components are commonly used in the c

Question

4, Because of its cost and strength, steel components are commonly used in the construction of recreational boats and, to an even greater de large ships. As steel is predominately comprised of iron metal, it prone to corrosion or oxidation over time, especially in salt water. The high concentration of ions in salt water provides a conducting medium that facilitates electron transfer reactions. To combat the breakdown of iron-containing parts, oceangoing boats typically have pieces of zinc metal in contact (either directly or through wire) with the steel components. (a) Considering your data on the relative activity of zinc and iron metal, how does the zinc metal protect the steel components from oxidation? (b) From a maintenance standpoint, does the boat owner have to periodically monitor the zinc metal? In other words, what happens to the zinc metal over time?

Explanation / Answer

1) standard oxidation potential of zinc is more than that of iron, so oxidation of zinc takes place instead of iron and so iron is protected from getting corred.

The block of zinc is sacrificed to keep the steel from rusting.

b) Zinc must be replaced before it all dissolves i.e.oxidation takes place. Zinc is less expensive than rebuilding the ship.

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