Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

The electrode where reduction occurs is known as which one?

1. Anode

2. Cathode

3. Reactor

4. Electrolyte

The correct answer is: Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs is known as the cathode. In electrochemistry, the cathode is defined as the electrode where the gain of electrons takes place, resulting in a reduction reaction. This is essential in various applications, including cathodic protection, where the cathode plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion of protected metal structures. Understanding the electrochemical processes helps clarify the function of the cathode. During operation, positively charged ions migrate towards the cathode, where they receive electrons and are transformed into neutral atoms or molecules. This process is vital in many applications, including batteries, electroplating, and corrosion control. The other options refer to different components in an electrochemical cell. The anode is where oxidation occurs, so it is not the correct answer. A reactor is generally a vessel or device where chemical processes happen, but it is not a type of electrode. An electrolyte, on the other hand, is a conductive solution that allows ions to move between electrodes but does not participate in the electrode reactions themselves.