Final answer:
Metals are protected from corrosion through coatings like zinc in the galvanization process, oxide layers as seen with aluminum and chromium, and in stainless steel's composition, which includes anti-corrosive elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings for Metals
Metals can be protected from corrosion in a variety of ways, including the application of protective coatings. This protective process is often achieved through galvanization, where a layer of zinc is applied to the iron or steel to prevent oxidation.
An intact zinc layer acts as a barrier to oxygen and water, thereby preventing rust. However, if this coating is damaged, the underlying metal can still be shielded through cathodic protection. Additionally, metals such as aluminum are protected by their own naturally occurring oxides, which create an impervious layer, while stainless steel's corrosion resistance is attributed to its significant chromium and nickel content, both of which form protective oxide films. Hence, developing anti-corrosion coatings is pivotal and forms an active area of industrial research.