It is the "sacrifice" part of a corrosion protection system: When two different metals are connected between them and are contacted by a electrolyte (water with dissolved ions), a small electric current is generated by them (thats how an electric battery is constructed) and one of the two metals corrodes (the anode or less noble of the metal pair) To protect an iron tank from corrosion you can connect to it a magnesium anode, in this metal pair the magnesium will corrode, thus protecting the iron from corrosion. If a copper pipe is soldered to the iron tank will produce the opposite effect, that is, as copper is more noble than iron, the anode will be the iron and it will corrode
Sacrificial anode.
Anode rods are used in RV and home hot water heaters. Aluminum tanks are not required to have an anode rod where steel tanks usually are.
The symptoms of a bad anode rod in a water heater include rusty or discolored water, a sulfur-like smell in the water, and a decrease in hot water supply.
the copper cylinder(cathode) and iron rod(anode)
The sacrificial anode in a Hot Water Tank takes most of the rusting problems away from the tank itself, hence the word "sacrificial!" When the anode has finished its course of use, you will get rusting happening on the walls of your tank which leads to a wrecked and leaking hot water tank. Manufacturers do NOT want home owners to know about these anodes, because if everyone replaced them there would not be any hot water tanks to replace.
Hot water
This is to allow for expansion of the hot water-- otherwise the cylinder would blow up.
The smell of sulfur in hot water is often caused by bacteria reacting with the magnesium anode rod in your water heater. This reaction produces hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a distinct sulfur smell. Regular maintenance of your water heater, such as flushing it out and replacing the anode rod, can help eliminate this odor.
i dont get this question?
There are four main types of hot water cylinders: Direct hot water cylinders. These cylinders have an immersion heater inside that heats the water directly. They are the most basic type of hot water cylinder, and they are relatively inexpensive. However, they can be inefficient, and they can take a long time to heat up the water. Indirect hot water cylinders. These cylinders use a heat exchanger to heat the water. The heat exchanger is connected to a boiler, which heats the water from the mains supply. Indirect hot water cylinders are more efficient than direct hot water cylinders, and they can heat up the water more quickly. However, they are also more expensive. Vented hot water cylinders. These cylinders are connected to a cold water tank. The cold water tank is located above the cylinder, and it provides the water that is used to heat the water in the cylinder. Vented hot water cylinders are the most common type of hot water cylinder in the UK. They are relatively inexpensive, and they are easy to install. However, they can be inefficient, and they can lose heat through the venting system. Unvented hot water cylinders. These cylinders are not connected to a cold water tank. Instead, they are connected directly to the mains water supply. Unvented hot water cylinders are more efficient than vented hot water cylinders, and they do not lose heat through the venting system. However, they are also more expensive, and they require a special type of expansion vessel. The type of hot water cylinder that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and requirements. If you are looking for an inexpensive option, then a direct hot water cylinder may be a good choice. If you are looking for an efficient option, then an indirect hot water cylinder may be a better choice. If you are concerned about losing heat, then an unvented hot water cylinder may be the best option for you.
Sounds like the anode is giving up the ghost or a faulty dip tube
turn off water on cold inlet to heater. attach water hose to drain hosebib on front bottom of heater. turn on hosebib, then either open cold water flex line to create a vacuum so the tank will drain. then the anode rod will be the plug style behind the vent or sometimes in front of the vent. if no plug is found the anode rod is attached to the hot nipple usually found on ( a.o smith, bradeford whites and some rheems). remove anode you will notice if its corroded then replace same way anode was removed.