Corrosion Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Corrosion Principles – Electrochemical Aspects – 1”.
1. Which of the following products are obtained when a zinc metal is dipped in dilute HCl solution?
a) H2, ZnCl2
b) Cl2, ZnH2
c) H2, Cl2 and ZnH2
d) Zn, H2 and Cl2
Answer: a
Clarification: When zinc is placed in dilute hydrochloric acid, a vigorous reaction occurs. Hydrogen gas is evolved and the zinc dissolves, by forming a solution of zinc chloride.
Anodic reaction: Zn==>Zn+2+2e(Zn+2+2Cl– ==>ZnCl2)
Cathodic reaction: 2H++2e==>H2
2. Which of the following reactions occurs when iron is immersed in (oxygenated) sea water?
a) Fe==>Fe+2+2e, 2H++2e==>H2
b) Fe==>Fe+2+2e, O2+2H2O+4e==>4OH–
c) Fe+2+2e==>Fe+2, 4H++O2+4e==>2H2O
d) Fe+2+2e==>Fe+2, 2H++2e==>H2
Answer: b
Clarification: Iron dissolution (anodic reaction) Fe==>Fe+2+2e. Oxygenated hydrogen reaction (cathodic reaction) in a neutral solution (pH=7) is O2+2H2O+4e==>4OH–.
3. Which of the following is more stable form of iron in an oxygenated solution?
a) Fe2O3
b) Fe(OH)2
c) 2Fe(OH)3
d) Fe3O4
Answer: c
Clarification: +3 oxidation state of iron is more stable state of iron than +2 oxidation state. The reaction is follows as
Fe+H2O+½O2==>Fe(OH)2
2Fe(OH)2+H2O+1/2O2==>2Fe(OH)3.
4. Which of the following are the types of chemical reactions?
a) Combination and Decomposition reactions
b) Combination and Single displacement
c) Single and Double displacement reaction
d) Combination, Decomposition, Single displacement and double displacement
Answer: d
Clarification: Combination reaction: A+B==>C,
Decomposition reaction: A==>B+C,
Single displacement reaction: AB+C==>AC+B
Double displacement reaction: AB+CD==>AC+BD
5. More than one anodic and cathodic reactions are possible in corrosion.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Mixed potential theory states that any electrochemical reaction can be divided into two or more partial reactions (anodic and cathodic reactions). Dissolution of an alloy in pure acid involves more than one anodic reaction. Corrosion of pure metal in oxygenated impure acid involves more than one cathodic reaction.
6. Oxygenated acids are more corrosive than oxygen-free acids.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Case1 (Oxygen-free acids)
Anodic reaction: M==M>+n+ne
Cathodic reaction: 2H++2e==>H2
Case2 (Oxygenated acids)
Anodic reaction: M==>M+n+ne
Cathodic reaction: 2H++2e==>H2, O2+4H++4e==>2H2O
This oxygen reduction increases the cathodic rate which correspondingly increases the anodic rate or corrosion rate.
7. Which of the following parameter of electrolyte decreases the corrosion rate?
a) Dissolved oxygen
b) Temperature
c) High electrical resistance
d) Presence of ferric ions
Answer: c
Clarification: The Function of an electrolyte is to transfer the ions between anode and cathode. Increase in electrical resistance in electrolyte shows obstruction for the free flow of ions, hence the corrosion rate decreases. Whereas dissolved oxygen, temperature and presence of ferric ions increases the mobility of ions and increases the corrosion rate.
8. Which of the following are the types of polarization?
a) Activation polarization
b) Activation and Concentration polarization
c) Resistance polarization
d) Activation, Concentration and Resistance polarization
Answer: d
Clarification: Polarization is the potential difference occurred due to the non-equilibrium conditions, due to the change in concentration or temperature. These are classified into three types. They are i) Activation polarization ii) Concentration polarization iii)Resistance polarization.