Based on Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws, a differential equation is derived relating the changing potential slope in the length direction of a pipe to the current density at the inner pipe surface. The extension of the pipe that can be passivated or maintained in the passive state by supplying current with one cathode is formulated for linear as well as exponential types of polarization curves and for pipes of finite and infinite length. Completely passivated pipes can be kept in the passive state over a much greater distance from the cathode than partly passive pipes. Agreement is found with reported experimental data on the throwing power of anodie protection. The same basic equations are valid with respect to the throwing power of cathodic protection, which is much smaller than that of anodic protection at comparable corrosiveness. On the application of anodic protection redox reactions of substances produced on cathodes, anodes on corroding metals and alloys can strongly influence the behavior.For the application of anodic protection (1-6) in any lengthy vessel the throwing power (4) of the current is of primary importance. Evidently passivity is reached very rapidly in a vessel when the current density on its whole surface surpasses the maximum value of the polarization curve. However, even at lower average current densities, formation and expension of passivity occur when the current density locally surpasses the maximum value of the polarization curve. After the area of best current ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 141.211.4.224 Downloaded on 2015-06-29 to IP