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What combination can create galvanic corrosion?

Two dissimilar metals in electrical contact within an electrolyte can form a galvanic cell.

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  1. Any single metal in dry air
  2. Two identical metals touching in seawater
  3. Dissimilar contacting metals in an electrolyte ✔

Why: Electrical contact lets electrons flow, while the electrolyte carries ions. The more active metal becomes the anode and corrodes faster.

Huh, didn't know that: Insulating the metals from each other can break the electrical path and reduce galvanic attack.

The dad joke
The two metals had chemistry, but it was corrosive.
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References

Answer: Dissimilar contacting metals in an electrolyte. Electrical contact lets electrons flow, while the electrolyte carries ions. The more active metal becomes the anode and corrodes faster.

  1. DOE Fundamentals Handbook: Material Science www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/DOE-HDBK-1017-93_VOL1.pdf
    Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals with different potentials are placed in electrical contact in an electrolyte.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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