In cathodic protection, which electrode is typically the cathode?

In cathodic protection systems, the cathode is defined as the electrode where reduction occurs. This process involves the gain of electrons, which makes it essential to understand the role of electrode potential in this context. The more electronegative electrode, meaning it has a higher tendency to attract electrons, functions as the cathode during these processes. Since it will draw electrons and allow a reduction reaction to take place, it is crucial for the protection of the metal surface from corrosion.

The other electrodes mentioned, such as the anode, are involved in the opposite reaction—oxidation—where electrons are given up rather than gained. The reference electrode is used to measure the potential of the cathodic protection system, but it does not itself serve as the cathode in the cathodic protection context. This distinction is vital for understanding how cathodic protection protects metal surfaces from corrosion effectively by ensuring that the correct electrodes are utilized in appropriate configurations.