Which pole is referred to as the one that corrodes away in galvanic corrosion?

In the process of galvanic corrosion, the anode is the pole that corrodes away. This occurs when two different metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, initiating an electrochemical reaction. The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, meaning it loses electrons and consequently undergoes corrosion.

Through this process, the anode, being the less noble metal (more susceptible to corrosion), deteriorates over time, while the cathode (the other metal involved) generally remains protected and does not corrode as much. This is vital to understand in contexts such as metal structures, piping systems, and other applications where different metals are used together. Knowing which component is the anode helps in designing systems that can mitigate corrosion and enhance the longevity of the materials used.