A theoretical ranking of elements based on their thermodynamic tendency to lose or gain electrons in a standard state (usually at 25 degrees Celsius in a 1 molar solution). Metals high on the list are highly reactive and anodic, while those lower down are noble and cathodic. It serves as the baseline for predicting which metal will corrode when two different metals are coupled.
Magnesium is way above iron in the electrochemical series, making it a perfect sacrificial anode for steel pipes.
Also heard as
- electromotive force series
- EMF series
Do not mix it up with
- Galvanic series: The electrochemical series is a theoretical list of pure elements in standard solutions, while the galvanic series ranks real-world alloys in specific environments like seawater.
Related terms
Galvanic series
Ranking of real metals and alloys by their measured potential in a given electrolyte, usually seawater.
Galvanic corrosion
Accelerated corrosion of the more active metal when two dissimilar metals touch in a shared electrolyte.
Unnoble
Describing a metal that sits low on the galvanic series and corrodes easily.