Is anode positive or negative?
2 Answers
The terms "anode" and "cathode" refer to the electrodes in a device that uses electric current, like a battery or an electrolytic cell. Whether the anode is positive or negative depends on the type of device and the direction of current flow.
1. **In a Battery:**
- **Discharge Mode (providing power):** The anode is the negative electrode. In this scenario, electrons flow from the anode (negative) to the cathode (positive) through the external circuit.
- **Charge Mode (being charged):** The anode becomes the positive electrode. During charging, the current flows in the opposite direction, and electrons move from the cathode back to the anode.
2. **In an Electrolytic Cell:**
- The anode is always the positive electrode. This is where oxidation occurs, meaning that electrons are removed from the substance at the anode, which then flows toward the cathode (negative).
### Summary:
- In a **discharging battery**, the anode is negative.
- In a **charging battery**, the anode is positive.
- In an **electrolytic cell**, the anode is always positive.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial when working with electrical devices, as the behavior of current and the function of electrodes depend on these definitions.
1. **In a Battery:**
- **Discharge Mode (providing power):** The anode is the negative electrode. In this scenario, electrons flow from the anode (negative) to the cathode (positive) through the external circuit.
- **Charge Mode (being charged):** The anode becomes the positive electrode. During charging, the current flows in the opposite direction, and electrons move from the cathode back to the anode.
2. **In an Electrolytic Cell:**
- The anode is always the positive electrode. This is where oxidation occurs, meaning that electrons are removed from the substance at the anode, which then flows toward the cathode (negative).
### Summary:
- In a **discharging battery**, the anode is negative.
- In a **charging battery**, the anode is positive.
- In an **electrolytic cell**, the anode is always positive.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial when working with electrical devices, as the behavior of current and the function of electrodes depend on these definitions.
In electrical devices, the anode is typically the positive electrode in a device that is discharging or emitting electrons, such as in a battery or diode. However, its polarity can vary depending on the type of device:
1. **In a Battery:** The anode is the negative electrode during discharge (where it provides electrons to the external circuit) and the positive electrode during charging (where it receives electrons from the external circuit).
2. **In a Diode:** The anode is the positive side, where current enters the diode, and the cathode is the negative side, where current exits.
3. **In Electrolytic Cells:** The anode is always the positive electrode because it is where oxidation occurs.
4. **In Electrolytic Capacitors:** The anode is positive.
So, whether the anode is positive or negative depends on the context and the specific type of device or application.
1. **In a Battery:** The anode is the negative electrode during discharge (where it provides electrons to the external circuit) and the positive electrode during charging (where it receives electrons from the external circuit).
2. **In a Diode:** The anode is the positive side, where current enters the diode, and the cathode is the negative side, where current exits.
3. **In Electrolytic Cells:** The anode is always the positive electrode because it is where oxidation occurs.
4. **In Electrolytic Capacitors:** The anode is positive.
So, whether the anode is positive or negative depends on the context and the specific type of device or application.