Description

The electrochemical reactions that occur depend on the cause of the potential difference between the anode and the cathode. This potential difference can be caused by differences in the environment, differences in the metal, or by external electrical sources of DC current.
This potential difference forces the metal to develop anodic and cathodic regions. When there is also an electrolyte and a metallic path, the circuit is complete, current flows, and electrochemical corrosion will occur.