Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

What reaction occurs at the connection between copper and steel?

1. Oxidation Reaction

2. Electrolytic Reaction

3. Chemical Reaction

4. Mechanical Reaction

The correct answer is: Electrolytic Reaction

At the connection between copper and steel, an electrolytic reaction occurs due to the differences in their electrochemical properties. When two dissimilar metals, such as copper and steel, are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (like moisture or certain atmospheric conditions), it sets up a galvanic cell. In this cell, one metal acts as an anode and the other as a cathode, leading to oxidation at the anode, which is typically the more reactive metal. In this case, steel is likely to corrode as a result of this reaction, which can compromise its structural integrity. Understanding this connection and the principle of galvanic corrosion is vital for home inspectors, as it can lead to significant issues in metal connections if left unaddressed.