Which of the following is a characteristic of electrolytic corrosion?

Electrolytic corrosion is a process that is fundamentally linked to the presence of electrical currents in an electrolytic environment. This type of corrosion occurs when metal is subjected to a direct electrical current that causes a reaction leading to degradation. In marine environments, for instance, an electrical current can create a potential difference between different metals or between a metal and water, exacerbating the corrosion process.

The influence of electrical currents distinguishes electrolytic corrosion from other forms, such as galvanic corrosion which typically occurs without an external electric source. This aspect highlights the importance of understanding electrical factors, such as grounding and bonding, in marine applications where metals are often in contact with seawater, which can carry small electrical currents.

While the presence of metals and electrolytes, including saltwater, is certainly involved in the corrosion process, they do not specifically define electrolytic corrosion. The defining characteristic is how electrical current interacts with the metal, leading to the electrochemical reactions that result in corrosion.