Final answer:
Galvanized iron is coated with zinc, used in the galvanization process to prevent corrosion by serving as a sacrificial anode.
Step-by-step explanation:
Galvanized iron is coated with the element zinc. This method, known as galvanization, involves applying a thin layer of zinc to steel or iron. Galvanization is used to protect the base metal from corrosion; since zinc has a lower reduction potential than iron, it acts as a sacrificial anode and corrodes first, therefore shielding the iron from oxidation.
The reaction involved in the galvanization process is Zn(s) + Fe²⁺ (aq) → Zn²⁺ (aq) + Fe(s), which signifies that zinc will oxidize and corrode in preference to iron, offering prophylactic protection to the galvanized object.