Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

The portion of a metal that is corroding is referred to as the:

1. Cathode

2. Electrolyte

3. Anode

4. Corrosion site

The correct answer is: Anode

The portion of a metal that is corroding is referred to as the anode. In the context of electrochemistry, the anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, which translates to the loss of metal material as it reacts with the environment, typically resulting in corrosion. In cathodic protection systems, certain areas of a metal structure are intentionally made to act as anodes to protect other parts of the metal from corroding, effectively redirecting the corrosion process away from critical components. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying and mitigating corrosion in metallic structures, as it allows engineers and technicians to design effective cathodic protection systems by targeting these anode areas for protection or treating them to minimize corrosion.