Visual Testing (VT) Practice Exam

What is the term for the deterioration of a metal by chemical or electrochemical interaction with its environment?

1. Corrosion

2. Erosion

3. IGSCC

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Corrosion

The term that describes the deterioration of a metal due to chemical or electrochemical interactions with its environment is corrosion. This process can occur when metals react with moisture, air, and other chemicals, leading to the gradual degradation of the material. Corrosion is a significant concern in various industries because it can compromise the structural integrity and longevity of metal components. Erosion, while it may seem similar, refers specifically to the physical wearing away of material due to mechanical processes, such as abrasion or impact, rather than chemical reactions. IGSCC, or Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking, is a specific type of corrosion that occurs in certain conditions and materials, but it falls under the broader category of corrosion rather than representing the general process itself. Therefore, the correct answer accurately identifies the broader phenomenon of metal deterioration through chemical and electrochemical processes with its environment.