Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because

Options

A. zinc is costlier than tin
B. zinc has a high melting point than tin
C. zinc is more reactive than tin
D. zinc is less reactive than tin

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks why food cans are coated with tin instead of zinc. We need to analyze the properties of both metals in relation to their reactivity.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- Zinc is costlier than tin.
- Zinc has a higher melting point than tin.
- Zinc is more reactive than tin.
- Zinc is less reactive than tin.

3. **Analyzing Reactivity**: To determine the correct answer, we need to refer to the reactivity series of metals. In the reactivity series, metals are arranged in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest.

4. **Position in the Reactivity Series**: In the reactivity series, zinc is positioned above tin (Sn), indicating that zinc is more reactive than tin.

5. **Implications of Reactivity**: Since zinc is more reactive, if food cans were coated with zinc, there is a risk that the zinc could react with the food inside the can. This reaction could make the food unfit for consumption.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, food cans are coated with tin instead of zinc because tin is less reactive and does not react with food, keeping it safe for consumption.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct reason why food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc is that **zinc is more reactive than tin**.

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