Read the following passage:
When two dissimilar metals, such as copper and aluminum, are joined in the presence of an electrolyte like seawater, an electrochemical reaction is initiated. Because aluminum has a lower electrical potential than copper, it immediately donates electrons to the copper surface. This loss of electrons causes the rapid oxidation and structural breakdown of the aluminum fitting. As a direct result of this deterioration, fine stress fractures form along the joint, ultimately triggering a high-pressure fluid leak.
Based on the passage, in what order does this causal chain occur, from the initial trigger to the final system failure?
- 1Dissimilar metals are connected in the presence of an electrolyte
- 2Aluminum donates electrons to the copper surface
- 3Oxidation and structural breakdown occur in the aluminum fitting
- 4Stress fractures develop along the joint, producing a fluid leak
Answer
The correct causal sequence begins with dissimilar metals connecting in an electrolyte, followed by aluminum donating electrons to copper, leading to oxidation and structural breakdown of the aluminum fitting, and concluding with stress fractures triggering a fluid leak.
The passage clearly outlines a step-by-step causal chain: joining dissimilar metals in an electrolyte starts the process, aluminum transferring electrons to copper acts as the immediate reaction, the resulting electron loss causes structural oxidation, and this deterioration leads directly to stress fractures that produce the fluid leak.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Extracting and sequencing explicitly stated cause-and-effect relationships from technical prose.