Which metal is more noble and less likely to corrode than zinc?

Copper is considered more noble than zinc, meaning it has a higher resistance to corrosion. The nobility of a metal is often determined by its position on the galvanic series, which ranks metals based on their electrochemical potential. Metals that are more noble have less tendency to oxidize and corrode compared to those that are less noble.

Zinc is a moderately reactive metal and tends to corrode when exposed to moisture and air. In contrast, copper has a lower reactivity and therefore does not oxidize as readily, making it an excellent choice for applications where corrosion resistance is important. Additionally, copper can form a protective patina when it oxidizes, which further enhances its corrosion resistance.

In comparison, iron and magnesium are less noble than zinc. Iron is prone to rusting when exposed to moisture, while magnesium is more reactive and will corrode more quickly than zinc. Lead has some resistance to corrosion but does not surpass copper in nobility. Thus, copper is clearly the most suitable answer when considering metals that are less likely to corrode than zinc.