The purpose of cathodic protection is to:

The primary purpose of cathodic protection is to reduce corrosion of metallic structures, especially those that are situated in environments where they are prone to corrosion, such as underground or submerged conditions. This method works by supplying a protective current to the metal surface, making it the cathode in an electrochemical cell. By doing so, the anodic reactions (which lead to metal loss and corrosion) are minimized, significantly extending the life of the structure.

Cathodic protection can be implemented through two main systems: sacrificial anode systems, which use a more electrically negative metal as the anode that corrodes in place of the protected structure, and impressed current systems, which utilize an external power source to provide the necessary current. Both approaches effectively mitigate the corrosion process that concrete, steel, and other metals experience in aggressive environments.

While increasing electrical resistance, enhancing soil resistance, and preventing galvanic corrosion are related concepts in the field of corrosion control, they are not the primary goals of cathodic protection. The focus remains on direct corrosion prevention rather than the manipulation of resistive properties of the environment or the prevention of galvanic coupling specifically.