In an electrochemical corrosion process, which electrode is the metal that tends to oxidize and lose material?

In an electrochemical corrosion process, which electrode is the metal that tends to oxidize and lose material?

• A. Anode
• B. Cathode
• C. Uniform Surface Corrosion
• D. Pitting

Answer: (A)

In electrochemical corrosion, oxidation is where the metal loses electrons and dissolves into the environment. The electrode where this oxidation occurs is the anode, so the metal that tends to oxidize and lose material is the anode. Electrons flow from the anode to the other electrode, the cathode, where reduction happens. The cathode doesn’t lose metal; it’s where species gain electrons. Uniform surface corrosion and pitting describe how corrosion appears on the surface, not where the oxidation reaction takes place.

In electrochemical corrosion, oxidation is where the metal loses electrons and dissolves into the environment. The electrode where this oxidation occurs is the anode, so the metal that tends to oxidize and lose material is the anode. Electrons flow from the anode to the other electrode, the cathode, where reduction happens. The cathode doesn’t lose metal; it’s where species gain electrons. Uniform surface corrosion and pitting describe how corrosion appears on the surface, not where the oxidation reaction takes place.