What term describes dissimilar metals reacting to each other in an aqueous solution?

The term that specifically describes dissimilar metals reacting to one another in an aqueous solution is galvanic corrosion. This phenomenon occurs when two different metals are electrically connected in a conductive environment, like water, which can lead to a situation where one metal becomes anodic and corroded while the other becomes cathodic and is protected.

Galvanic corrosion happens because of the electrochemical potential difference between the two metals. The metal with the higher potential will corrode faster than it normally would when it is not in contact with another metal, due to the electrochemical reaction facilitated by the aqueous solution. This is a common issue in plumbing and electrical systems where different metal types are used together, and understanding this process is vital for preventing damage and reducing maintenance costs.

The other terms mentioned—electrolysis, corrosion, and cathodic protection—while related to the larger concepts of corrosion and electrochemical reactions, do not specifically address the interaction between dissimilar metals in an aqueous environment in the way that galvanic corrosion does.