Sacrificial anodes will prevent electrolytic corrosion. True or False?

Sacrificial anodes are specifically designed to prevent galvanic corrosion rather than electrolytic corrosion directly. However, the statement can be considered true in the broader context of preventative measures against corrosion overall. Sacrificial anodes work by being made of a more reactive metal compared to the metal of the hull or component they are protecting. When these anodes are installed, they corrode preferentially; this sacrificial action protects the surrounding metal by providing a path for the electrical current that would otherwise cause corrosion.

In environments where dissimilar metals are in contact, and where an electrolyte (like seawater) is present, galvanic corrosion can occur, leading to deterioration of the less noble metal. The use of sacrificial anodes interrupts this process by redirecting an electrical current away from valuable metal components, thus effectively limiting the corrosion that would occur on those surfaces.

While electrolytic corrosion pertains to the corrosion that might occur because of an external electrical source (like stray current from a nearby source), sacrificial anodes do help mitigate all forms of corrosion related to galvanic action, and their presence can create an environment that reduces overall corrosion risks. Hence, stating that they "will prevent electrolytic corrosion" can be viewed as a simplified affirmation of their