Chapter Two - Definitions Flashcards
What is a cathode?
The electrode of an electrochemical cell at which production is the principal reaction. Electrons flow towards the cathode in the external circuit.
What is cathodic protection?
A technique to reduce the corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell.
What is corrosion
The deterioration of a metal usually a metal that results from a reaction with its environment.
What is corrosion cell?
In order for corrosion to occur certain conditions and elements are essential this is the combination of an anode, cathode, return path and electrolyte.
What is a corrosion inhibitor?
A chemical substance or combination of substances that, when present in the environment prevents or reduces corrosion.
What is crevice corrosion?
A localized corrosion of a metal surface at, or immediately adjacent to, an area that is shielded from full exposure to the environment because of close proximity of the metal to the surface of another material.
What is electrolyte?
A chemical substance containing ions that migrate to an electric field.
What is galvanic series?
A list of metals and alloys arranged according to the corrosion potential in a given environment.
What is generalized corrosion?
It is corrosion that is distributed more or less uniformly over the surface of the material.
What is localized corrosion?
This occurs at discrete sights on the metal surface.
What is mill scale?
The oxide layer formed during hot fabrication or heat treatment of metals.
What is passivation?
A reduction of the anodic reaction rate of an electrode involved in corrosion.
What is pitting corrosion?
Localize corrosion of a metal surface that is confined to a small area and takes the form of cavities called pits.
What is return path (metallic pathway)?
This connects the anode and cathode, allowing passage of electrons, generated at the anode, to the cathode.
What is an anode?
The electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs. Electrons flow away from the anode in the electrical circuit. Corrosion usually occurs and metal ions enter the solution at the anode.
