What is galvanization?

Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron. Zinc is more reactive than iron, so it corrodes sacrificially, protecting the underlying steel from rusting even if scratched.

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Core Study Guide

Metals & Metallurgy

Properties, extraction, and applications of metals.

Metals comprise the majority of elements, characterized by lustrous appearance, conductivity, and electron loss.

This unit covers metallic bonding, the reactivity series, chemical extraction from ores (metallurgy), and alloy configurations.

Key Takeaways

•Metallic bonding consists of a lattice of positive cations in a delocalized sea of electrons.
•Alloys are mixtures of metals that disrupt crystal planes, increasing structural hardness.
•Reduction by carbon or electrolysis is used to extract metals from mineral ores.

Core Concepts & Definitions

1Metallic Bonding

Delocalized valence electrons move freely, providing electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility.

•Malleability: ability to be hammered into sheets.

•Ductility: ability to be drawn into wires.

Quick Revision Notes

•Alloys like steel (iron + carbon) and bronze (copper + tin) are stronger than their base metals.
•Rusting of iron requires both oxygen and water.