In an electrochemical attack, electron flow is established in which direction?

• A. From Anode to Cathode
• B. From Cathode to Anode
• C. In Random Directions
• D. No Electron Flow

Answer: (B)

In an electrochemical attack, oxidation occurs at the anodic regions of the metal, releasing electrons. Those electrons must move to the cathodic regions where reduction takes place to complete the circuit. So the actual flow of electrons goes from the anodic site toward the cathodic site through the metal (and, if there’s an external circuit, toward the cathodic electrode there). This electron movement is opposite to the direction of conventional current, which is why diagrams can appear confusing. The key idea is that electron flow follows the path from where oxidation happens to where reduction happens, not the other way around.