Identify the correct statement:

Options

A. Corrosion of iron can be minimized by forming a contact with another metal with a higher reduction potential
B. Iron corrodes in oxygen-free water
C. Corrosion of iron can be minimized by forming an impermeable barrier at its surface
D. Iron corrodes more rapidly in salt water because its electrochemical potential is higher

Answer

To identify the correct statement regarding the corrosion of iron, we will analyze each option provided in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Option A
**Statement A:** Corrosion of iron can be minimized by forming a contact with another metal with higher reduction potential.

- **Explanation:** When iron is connected to a metal with a higher reduction potential, the metal will preferentially undergo reduction. This means that iron will oxidize more easily, leading to increased corrosion rather than minimizing it. Therefore, this statement is **false**.

**Hint:** Higher reduction potential metals can lead to increased corrosion of iron.

### Step 2: Analyze Option B
**Statement B:** Iron corrodes in oxygen-free water.

- **Explanation:** Oxygen is a critical component in the rusting process of iron. Rusting primarily occurs when iron is exposed to moisture and oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, the corrosion process is significantly reduced. Therefore, this statement is **false**.

**Hint:** Remember that oxygen is essential for the rusting of iron.

### Step 3: Analyze Option C
**Statement C:** Corrosion of iron can be minimized by forming an impermeable barrier at its surface.

- **Explanation:** This statement is true. Creating an impermeable barrier, such as paint or a protective coating, can effectively prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching the iron surface, thereby minimizing corrosion. This method is known as barrier protection and is widely used to protect metals from rusting.

**Hint:** Barrier protection is a common and effective method to prevent corrosion.

### Step 4: Analyze Option D
**Statement D:** Iron corrodes more rapidly in salt water because its electrochemical potential is higher.

- **Explanation:** This statement is misleading. While it is true that iron corrodes more rapidly in salt water, it is not due to a higher electrochemical potential. Salt water contains a higher concentration of ions, which facilitates the electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion. Therefore, this statement is **false**.

**Hint:** Corrosion in salt water is related to ion concentration, not electrochemical potential.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, the correct statement is:

**C. Corrosion of iron can be minimized by forming an impermeable barrier at its surface.**