In which unit are the electric potentials of underwater metals typically measured?

Electric potentials of underwater metals are typically measured in millivolts (mV) due to the small voltages often involved in marine environments. When assessing corrosion potential, precise measurements are crucial because the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion can occur at very low voltages. Using millivolts allows for greater sensitivity and accuracy in detecting these small changes in potential, which is essential for effective corrosion management and mitigation strategies.

Other units, such as volts, amperes, and ohms, while important in electrical applications, do not provide the granularity necessary for monitoring the corrosion processes at play under water. For example, volts measure larger potential differences, and amperes measure current flow, which do not apply directly to the electrochemical potential relevant in assessing underwater corrosion. Ohms measure resistance, but again, this does not give insight into the potential that drives corrosion reactions. Thus, while those units have their own significance, millivolts remain the standard for evaluating electric potentials in marine settings.