Square metal plates having a total exposed area of 10.75 ft. 2 are fastened together with rivets having a total exposed area of 15.5 in. 2 The environment involves moisture and some salt. Consider two cases: (1) iron plates with nickel–copper alloy rivets, and (2) nickel–copper alloy plates with iron rivets. (a) For each case, which metal will corrode?
(b) How do the rates of corrosion compare for the two cases?
(c) If half as many rivets were used, what influence would this have on the total rate of corrosion?