Cadmium and zinc coatings provide which of the following type of protection for the base metal?

Correct Answer: Option D — Sacrificial.

Cadmium and zinc coatings act as sacrificial anodes when applied to steel components. Because these metals are more electronegative than the base metal, they corrode preferentially in the presence of moisture or electrolytes, effectively protecting the underlying structure from oxidation and environmental degradation in harsh marine conditions.