The more active metal becomes the _____________, while the less active metal becomes the _____________.

• A. Anode, Cathode
• B. Cathode, Anode
• C. Anode, Anode
• D. Cathode, Cathode

Answer: (A)

When two different metals are in contact in an electrolyte, the metal that is more prone to oxidation donates electrons more readily and thus becomes the anode. At the anode, oxidation occurs and metal ions go into solution, so that metal corrodes. The other metal, which is less active, accepts electrons and serves as the cathode; reduction happens there, and it is relatively protected from corrosion. This is why a pair like a more active metal and a less active metal organize themselves with the more active metal as the anode and the less active as the cathode.