Final answer:
Corrosion is a galvanic process by which metals deteriorate through oxidation, leading to the formation of rust, tarnish, or patina. Iron is particularly susceptible to corrosion, which makes it a significant concern in industries and involves substantial costs for replacement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corrosion is a galvanic process by which metals deteriorate through oxidation-usually but not always to their oxides. For example, when exposed to air, iron rusts, silver tarnishes, and copper and brass acquire a bluish-green surface called a patina. Of the various metals subject to corrosion, iron is by far the most important commercially. An estimated $100 billion per year is spent in the United States alone to replace iron-containing objects destroyed by corrosion.