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Zinc is suitable for coating steel roofs because zinc does not react with water. It thus prevents the steel roof from rusting since steel is basically iron plus carbon and it will rust in the presence of oxygen and water. Furthermore, zinc is more reactive than iron, and can thus act as a sacrificial metal and corrode in place of iron, in the event that the zinc coating is damaged and the iron is exposed.

On the other hand, magnesium is an alkaline earth metal and is too reactive. It will react with water to form magnesium hydroxide. (However, this reaction takes place for only a short while because the magnesium hydroxide produced is insoluble and will coat the metal, preventing further reaction between magnesium and water.)

Mg + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + H2

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How does the magnesium prevents the steel boiler from rusting?

It will stop rusting because of something called cathode protection. Because the magnesium is more reactive than the steel the electricity need to cause oxidation is drawn to the magnesium leaving the steel unable oxidize. The same principle is used on large ships. I you look at a cruse ship or a tanker you will see large blocks on the outside of the hull that most people think is to keep the side of the ship from hitting when they dock, but they actually protect the hull of the ship in the same way.


What metallic element is sometimes used in flares and flashbulbs?

Magnesium is the metallic element commonly used in flares and flashbulbs due to its bright and intense white light when ignited.


Why are zinc and magnesium not used for pipes and in electrical wiring?

Zinc and magnesium are highly reactive and so will corrode very easily, especially when in contact with water. Magnesium is an especially poor choice for pipes as it will react with water to produce flammable hydrogen gas.


What do we use olivine for?

Olivine is commonly used in jewelry as a gemstone and in industrial applications such as refractory materials, foundry molds, and as a source of magnesium in fertilizers. It can also be used in high-temperature applications, such as in the steel industry and as a component in some types of concrete.


Does protonix contain magnesium trisilicate?

No, Protonix (pantoprazole) does not contain magnesium trisilicate. It is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid production. Magnesium trisilicate is an antacid used to neutralize stomach acid.

Related Questions

What is used to convert steel into stainless steel?

coat


Which element is used in the manufacture of shiny metallic trim on vehicles?

Chromium is used to coat steel and plastic with a chrome finish.Chromium


Metal used in aircraft construction?

Aluminum, Steel, Magnesium, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Gold, Silver


Which metal is used to coat the outside of ship hulls?

Steel.


What element id used to coat the steel which is used in food containers?

Tin


Why does attaching blocks of magnesium to steel pipelines prevent them from rusting?

Magnesium is a stronger reducing agent than iron. The magnesium has a stronger tendency to take up the oxygen to form magnesium oxide than iron. Iron misses out on the oxygen until the magnesium is all used up.


How does magnesium sulfate react with steel metal pipe used in household plumbing?

Magnesium sulfate does not react with steel metal pipes commonly used in household plumbing. It is a non-corrosive substance and will not cause any significant degradation or damage to steel pipes.


What element is used to coat the steel in food containers?

The element used to coat steel in food containers is usually tin. Tin provides a protective layer that helps prevent the steel from corroding and reacting with the food stored in the containers.


What is an alloy of magnesium?

An alloy of Magnesium is a type of steel with Magnesium as the main ingredient. For example, Magnox is 99% Magnesium and 1% Aluminium is a steel used for the cladding of fuel rods in some nuclear power stations. Another alloys with Magnesium contain Aluminium, Zirconium, Silver, Zinc, and the Rare Earth Elements such as Yttrium and Erbium.


Do slate roofs use nails?

Generally, stainless steel or copper nails are used to fasten slate shingles to the roof sheathing.


Which rock ore is used to coat steel so it does not rust?

Galvanization is the process of coating steel with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting.


What was used to make the roofs of homes in New Plymouth?

The Pilgrims used thatch roofs in the beginning. But because thatched roofs burned easily, they changed to plank roofs.