Sacrificial anodes are also known as?

Sacrificial anodes are referred to as galvanic anodes because they are designed to protect metal components from corrosion through a process called galvanic corrosion. In this process, these anodes, which are typically made of a more reactive metal, corrode preferentially to the metal they are intended to protect. By doing so, they create a flow of electrons that helps to prevent the corrosion of the protected metal, such as steel or iron, in environments like water systems.

This designation as galvanic anodes stems from their function in an electrochemical process where two different metals create an electric potential in the presence of an electrolyte, leading to the sacrificial material corroding first. This contrasts with other types of anodes that might be used in various applications but do not specifically involve the sacrificial process aimed at corrosion protection. The other terms, while they may describe processes or functions related to anodes, do not capture the specific protective role performed by sacrificial anodes in preventing corrosion in metal structures.