Nobility

Definition

Nobility is a metal’s relative willingness to oxidize, with more noble metals resisting oxidation and less noble metals giving up electrons more readily. It governs which metal becomes the anode in a galvanic couple.

Metals are compared by their nobility, which corresponds to their electrical potential, and the difference in nobility between coupled metals sets the galvanic voltage. The less noble metal becomes the anode and corrodes, while the more noble metal becomes the protected cathode. Nobility is the property ranked by the galvanic series.

Related concepts

Galvanic Series · Galvanic Corrosion · Reduction Potential

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · ⚡ electrochemistry