Chapter 15.4, Problem 37PP

What we call "tin cans" are really iron cans coated with a thin layer of tin. The anode is a bar of tin, and the cathode is the iron can. An electrical current is used to oxidize the Sn to ${\text{Sn}}^{2+}$ in solution, where the ${\text{Sn}}^{2+}$ is reduced to produce a thin coating of $\text{Sn}$ on the can. a. What half-reaction takes place to tin plate an iron can? b. Why is the iron can the cathode? c. Why is the tin bar the anode?

An iron can is coated with tin to