The Law of Flow

Definition

Electrons move from a material with lower effective reduction potential (the anode) to a species with higher effective reduction potential (the cathode).

The larger the difference in reduction potential between the two, the stronger the driving force for the reaction. This explains both why corrosion happens and how strongly it is driven. It frames corrosion control around reducing the driving force, breaking the circuit, or redirecting the reaction.

Related concepts

Cathode · Electrochemical corrosion · Standard reduction potential

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · ⚡ electrochemistry