Does the fact that Iron reacts rapidly with oxygen in the presence of water prevent it from being used to coat other metals like copper and zinc?

Answer 1

Is it that the iron will rust quickly and eventually disintergrate leaving the coated metals i.e. zinc, copper exposed.

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

Thanks. Found the answer through google. It said because Iron rusts it will basically disintergrate very quickly however other metals like zinc copper donot form rust hence they will not disintergrate like iron so they can be used for coating.

Answer 4

Actually, Zn and Cu form a thin coating of the oxide on the surface of the Zn or Cu metal and that doesn't flake off (as the oxide of Fe does) so it hinders further oxidation with the metal underneath the coating.