Oxygen is classified as a cathodic what?

Oxygen is classified as a cathodic reactant because, in the context of electrochemical reactions, a reactant is the substance that undergoes a change during the reaction. In cathodic protection systems, the reduction process often involves the uptake of oxygen, which is reduced at the cathode. This reduction reaction occurs in various environments, including those involving metal structures in the presence of water and oxygen.

In cathodic processes, oxygen can participate in reactions that lead to the formation of hydroxide ions, which help in protecting the metal structure from corrosion. Understanding how oxygen acts as a reactant at the cathode is crucial for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of cathodic protection systems, especially in scenarios where the reduction of oxygen plays a significant role in mitigating corrosion.