Final answer:
To prevent rusting, iron can be protected by galvanization, which coats the metal with zinc or by painting, which creates a barrier against corrosive elements. Additionally, alloying iron with corrosion-resistant metals like chromium can also provide protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another option which is used as a protective layer to prevent rusting, beyond the application of a protective metal coating such as chromium or tin, is galvanization. This method involves coating iron or steel with a thin layer of zinc. When the zinc layer remains intact, it prevents the corrosive substances like water and oxygen from reaching the underlying metal.
Moreover, even if the zinc layer becomes damaged, the iron can remain protected through a method known as cathodic protection. Furthermore, a simple yet effective approach is using paint to create a barrier that protects the metal from corrosive elements. However, once the paint is scratched or wears off, the protective effect is compromised.
Other strategies for preventing corrosion include alloying iron with certain metals that can resist corrosion such as chromium in stainless steel, which forms a passivating oxide layer that shields the iron.