What is the function of a 'sacrificial anode' in a cathodic protection system and what materials are commonly used for this purpose?

The function of a 'sacrificial anode' in a cathodic protection system is to corrode in place of the metal structure being protected, thus preventing or minimizing corrosion of that structure. Cathodic protection is a technique used to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. In a corrosion cell, metal corrodes at the anode, where oxidation occurs. A sacrificial anode, also known as a galvanic anode, is a metal that is more easily oxid....