Which factor affects the form of corrosion on different types of metals?

The size and shape of the metal significantly influence the form of corrosion it may experience due to their impact on surface area exposure, electrical potentials, and the flow of corrosive media around the metal. Various shapes can create different patterns of stress and strain, which can lead to localized corrosion, particularly in areas that might trap moisture or create galvanic couples with other metals. For example, sharp edges or points can be more susceptible to pitting corrosion, while a smooth, flat surface may behave differently under the same environmental conditions.

Other factors, such as the cost or availability of a metal, do not directly influence its corrosion behavior. While these aspects may affect the selection of materials for specific applications, they do not play a role in how a particular metal reacts in a corrosive environment. Similarly, the color of the metal is largely aesthetic and has no bearing on the electrochemical processes that govern corrosion. Thus, the physical characteristics of size and shape take precedence in determining how corrosion will manifest on different metals.