In a galvanic couple, the material that corrodes less readily is called the what?

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

Answer: (B)

In a galvanic couple, two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte form an electrochemical cell where electrons flow from the more active metal to the less active one. The more active metal loses electrons and oxidizes, becoming the anode and corroding. The less active metal accepts electrons and undergoes reduction, acting as the cathode and being protected from corrosion. Because corrosion is driven by oxidation, the metal that corrodes less readily is the cathode. For example, zinc will corrode as the anode when paired with copper, while copper serves as the cathode and remains comparatively protected. The other terms describe forms of corrosion rather than the role of an electrode in the galvanic couple.