Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineering Basics - Discussion

Keep small anodes from contacting large cathodes. The rate of corrosion depends on the surface area of the anode with respect to the cathode. The smaller the surface area of the anode relative to the surface area of the cathode, the more concentrated the flow of electrons at the anode and the faster the rate of corrosion. The larger the anode's surface area in relation to the cathode, the more spread out of the flow of electrons and the slower the rate of the anode's corrosion.