The composition of the hull of a submarine is mostly iron. Pieces of zinc, called "zincs", are placed in contact with the hull. Why is this done?
2007-04-30 12:21:51 · 3 answers · asked by calculusgirl1979 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
The zinc anodes act as corrosion protection for the steel submarine body in the salt water environment. Aluminum anodes can also be used. They are called "sacrificial anodes" because the zinc metal corrodes instead of carbon steel.
The process is called "cathodic protection."
As the "sacrificial" metals are used up, they are replaced.
This Cathodic Protection" is very common wherever you have metals used in corrosive environments. (i.e. ships, pump, dams, oil tanks, etc.)
2007-04-30 12:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is to reduce corrosion from electrolytic action, I don't know the exact electro chemistry involved, but the zincs (called sacrificial anodes) are corroded instead of the steel
2007-04-30 12:44:25 · answer #2 · answered by tinkertailorcandlestickmaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u look like me. kinda. =)
2007-04-30 12:29:06 · answer #3 · answered by Maria Santos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋