Corrosion science—electromotive series and corrosion tendency Metals occurring at the lowest (noblest) position in the electromotive series typically:

Introduction / Context:
The electromotive series ranks metals and alloys by their standard electrode potentials. Position in this series correlates with thermodynamic tendency to undergo oxidation. Engineers use this ranking to predict galvanic couples, select materials for corrosive environments, and design cathodic protection systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Lower position means more noble (more positive potential).
• Environment considered is a typical aqueous electrolyte unless otherwise specified.
• Metals compared on a thermodynamic basis, not considering protective films or kinetics in detail.

Concept / Approach:
Noble metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium lie toward the noble end of the series. Their positive electrode potentials indicate a low tendency to oxidize, hence strong corrosion resistance in many environments. By contrast, active metals like magnesium, zinc, and aluminum lie toward the anodic end, readily oxidize, and are often used sacrificially. Mechanical traits like brittleness or thermal conductivity are unrelated to electromotive ranking per se.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard electrode potential tables confirm noble metals resist spontaneous oxidation. Galvanic series in seawater shows noble metals acting cathodically and suffering minimal corrosion when coupled properly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Do not resist corrosion: opposite of noble behavior.
• Very brittle: brittleness is a mechanical property, not dictated by electrochemical potential ranking.
• Heat insulators: many noble metals are excellent electrical and thermal conductors.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring kinetic effects and protective passive films. Some metals (e.g., stainless steels, titanium) owe corrosion resistance to passivation even if their base potential is not as noble; however, nobility still correlates with resistance.

Final Answer:
resist corrosion very strongly.