A block of magnesium attached to an iron pipeline running through moist soil may prevent the pipeline from oxidizing and corroding. Magnesium is a very reactive metal. When attached to the pipeline, the magnesium itself will corrode and keep the pipeline a cathode. Based on this form of protection, which of these metals can also protect an iron pipeline from corrosion?
Zinc is another metal that can protect iron pipelines from corrosion through a similar method known as sacrificial protection. Like magnesium, zinc is more reactive than iron and will corrode in place of the iron pipeline, acting as a sacrificial anode to protect the iron from oxidizing and corroding.
