General theory Answers to Q2

1. what is an electrolyte? It is a media by which electrical continuity is maintained

between two metal pieces or between particles of different physical properties

within the same metal.

2. name three cause of steel corrosion? Environment such as oxygen, and moisture,

irregularities in grain structure due to formation or heat treatments, impurities

such as carbon copper etc.

3. where does corrosion occur? anode/cathode? At anode

4. name four factors which accelerate corrosion? Velocity, temperature, galvanic

effects, concentration of corrodant

5. which is more noble, steel or zinc? Steel

6. which is more electro negative, copper or steel? steel

7. if steel and zinc are coupled in salt water, which would corrode? zinc

8. name three metals which can be used as galvanic anode? Zinc, aluminum,

magnesium

9. what is polarization? An obstruction to free flow of ions towards the electrodes

10. what is pH? The negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration in an

electrolyte. It is a measure of acidity or alkalinity

11. what is passivity? A state or condition in which a metal which is normally

corrosive is being temporarily protected by some film formation or a corrosion

product.
12. what is an inhibitor? Name two. A substance which sharply reduces corrosion in a

metal when it is added to the corrosive media. Sodium sulphite, silicates

13. what are the two elements needed for corrosion of steel? Air or oxygen, and

moisture or water.

14. Name eight forms of corrosion. uniform, galvanic, fretting, cavitation, crevice,

pitting, fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, leaching, intergranular

15. what is SCC? When a metal under in a stressed condition and exposed to a

corrodant fails at an accelerated rate and cracks.

16. what are two methods of cathodic protection? Galvanic and impressed

17. which soil is more corrosive- dry clayey or wet sandy? Why? Wet sandy as it has

moisture and porous to permit the flow of oxygen

18. why soil resistivity important in corrosion? The rate of corrosion is dependant on

the ease with which electrons and ions can flow. Corrosion is an electro chemical

reaction and therefore resitivity is important according to Farday’s law.

19. How is corrosion measured? mention three methods potential, weight loss, and

gauges(pit measurement), Ultrasonic for thickness loss etc.

20. How can be corrosion controlled? Mention three methods coating, inhibitors

Cathodic protection