Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

What is the term for an insulator used to prevent corrosion by separating two dissimilar metals?

1. Dielectric

2. Insulator

3. Corrosive barrier

4. Electrolyte

The correct answer is: Dielectric

The correct term for an insulator used to prevent corrosion by separating two dissimilar metals is "dielectric." A dielectric material is non-conductive and serves to inhibit the flow of electrical current, which is a key factor in electrochemical corrosion. When two different metals come into contact, they can create a galvanic cell that promotes corrosion of the less noble metal if there is an electrolyte present. By using a dielectric material to separate the metals, you can effectively break this connection and prevent the initiation of corrosion processes. The other options do not appropriately fit the definition in this context. An insulator is a broader term that refers to materials that resist the flow of electricity but does not specifically imply separation between dissimilar metals. A corrosive barrier is not a standard term used to describe this function and lacks technical specificity. An electrolyte, on the other hand, refers to a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water, which would actually promote corrosion rather than preventing it. Thus, "dielectric" is the most accurate term to describe an insulator that prevents corrosion between dissimilar metals.