Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Cations move toward which electrode?

1. Anode

2. Cathode

3. Neutral point

4. Earth ground

The correct answer is: Cathode

Cations move toward the cathode, which is a key principle in electrochemistry and cathodic protection systems. In these systems, the cathode is defined as the electrode where reduction occurs. Cations, which are positively charged ions, are attracted to the negative charge of the cathode. When a potential is applied in a cathodic protection system, the cathode becomes negatively charged, thereby attracting the positively charged cations present in the electrolyte. This movement helps to reduce the oxidation of the metal surfaces that need protection, ultimately mitigating corrosion. Understanding this movement of cations is essential for effectively evaluating and designing cathodic protection systems. The other options, such as the anode, neutral point, and earth ground, do not serve the same function in this context. The anode is where oxidation occurs, leading to the movement of anions towards it, while the neutral point does not attract ions in the manner that cathodes do. Earth ground is typically used for safety and stability in electrical systems, rather than influencing ion movement directly.