What is a characteristic of zinc (inorganic) in terms of corrosion protection?

Zinc, particularly in its inorganic forms, is known for its ability to provide cathodic protection, making it a widely used material in corrosion prevention. When zinc is applied as a coating over steel or iron, it acts as a sacrificial anode. This means that zinc will corrode preferentially to the underlying metal, thereby protecting it from rust and corrosion. The principle behind this is that zinc has a higher electrochemical potential than many common metals like iron; hence, it will oxidize before the metal underneath does, thus preventing the onset of corrosion on the protected surface.

This characteristic makes zinc an effective corrosion barrier and is a key reason why zinc coatings are extensively utilized in various industries, especially in environments prone to moisture and other corrosive factors. The effectiveness of cathodic protection is especially valuable in applications such as galvanized steel, where steel is coated with a layer of zinc to enhance its durability and resistance to corrosion.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the properties of zinc in terms of corrosion protection.