In galvanic corrosion, which region is where electrons produced at the anode are consumed?

• A. Anode
• B. Electrolyte
• C. Metallic path
• D. Cathode

Answer: (D)

In galvanic corrosion, electrons are produced at the anode and travel through the metallic path to a region where they are used in a reduction reaction. That region is the cathode. There, the incoming electrons participate in a reduction process (for example, reducing dissolved oxygen or hydrogen ions), so they are consumed. The electrolyte mainly carries ions to balance charge, not electrons, so it isn’t where electrons are used. The anode is where oxidation occurs and electrons are generated, and the metallic path simply conducts those electrons between the two metals. So the cathode is the region where electrons produced at the anode are consumed.