Which of the following is one of the main methods of cathodic protection?

Sacrificial anodes are indeed one of the primary methods of cathodic protection. This method works by introducing a more reactive metal compared to the metal that requires protection. Typically, magnesium, zinc, or aluminum alloys are used as sacrificial anodes. These materials corrode preferentially, sacrificing themselves to protect the primary metal structure, such as pipelines or storage tanks, from corrosion. This is particularly effective in environments where moisture and electrolytic activity increase the risk of corrosion.

When the sacrificial anode corrodes, it generates electrons that are delivered to the surface of the protected metal, thus preventing it from corroding as easily. This technique is widely utilized in various applications, including marine structures, buried pipelines, and underground storage tanks, because of its effectiveness and simplicity.

In contrast, the other methods listed, such as lead coatings, coating repair, and electrolytic separation, while they can help mitigate corrosion, do not serve the same fundamental purpose as sacrificial anodes in the context of cathodic protection. Lead coatings can provide a barrier to prevent corrosion but don’t rely on the principles of cathodic protection in the same way, nor do they actively prevent the metal structure from corroding through electrochemical means. Co