Anode vs. Cathode: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 3, 2023
Anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs; Cathode is where reduction occurs.
Key Differences
Anode and Cathode are terms that describe two different electrodes in an electrical device or reaction. The Anode is conventionally the electrode where oxidation, or the loss of electrons, takes place. In contrast, the Cathode is where reduction, or the gain of electrons, occurs.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
In a battery, the Anode is typically the negative terminal, while the Cathode is the positive terminal. However, it's crucial to understand that these designations can reverse based on the operation mode. For instance, during the charging of a rechargeable battery, the Anode becomes the site of reduction, while the Cathode becomes the site of oxidation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
In electroplating, the Anode usually contains the metal that will be plated onto the object, while the Cathode is the object itself. As current flows through the circuit, metal ions from the Anode migrate to the Cathode, depositing a layer on it.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
It's worth noting that while many people use Anode and Cathode interchangeably with positive and negative terminals, respectively, it's not always accurate. Their roles are defined by the type of reaction (oxidation or reduction) that happens at each electrode.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Anode and Cathode Definitions
Anode
In electroplating, the source of metal ions.
The gold Anode slowly dissolves, depositing gold onto the object.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
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Cathode
Electrode that accepts electrons in a device.
Electrons flow into the Cathode of a light-emitting diode (LED) making it glow.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
Anode
Electrode where anions move in electrolysis.
Chloride ions migrate towards the Anode during salt electrolysis.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
Cathode
Electrode where cations move in electrolysis.
Sodium ions migrate towards the Cathode during salt electrolysis.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Anode
Typically the negative terminal in a primary battery.
Connect the black wire to the Anode of the battery.
Huma Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
Cathode
In electroplating, the object being plated.
The ring acted as the Cathode and got coated with silver.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
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Anode
Electrode that releases electrons in a device.
Electrons flow out of the Anode in a diode when it's forward-biased.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Cathode
Electrode where reduction occurs.
In a battery, the Cathode is where the chemical reduction takes place.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Anode
Electrode where oxidation occurs.
In a galvanic cell, zinc undergoes oxidation at the Anode.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Cathode
Typically the positive terminal in a primary battery.
Connect the red wire to the Cathode of the battery.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Anode
A positively charged electrode, as of an electrolytic cell, storage battery, diode, or electron tube.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Cathode
A negatively charged electrode, as of an electrolytic cell, storage battery, diode, or electron tube.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Anode
The negatively charged terminal of a primary cell or of a storage battery that is supplying current.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Cathode
The positively charged terminal of a primary cell or a storage battery that is supplying current.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Anode
(electricity) An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows inwards (and thus, electrons flow outwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Cathode
(electricity) An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards (and thus, electrons flow inwards). It usually, but not always, has a positive voltage.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Anode
The electrode at which chemical oxidation of anions takes place, usually resulting in the erosion of metal from the electrode.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
Cathode
The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 03, 2017
FAQs
In a primary battery, which is the negative terminal, Anode or Cathode?
Anode is typically the negative terminal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
In a primary battery, which is the positive terminal, Anode or Cathode?
Cathode is typically the positive terminal.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
In a diode, from which electrode do electrons flow out, Anode or Cathode?
Electrons flow out of the Anode.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is the Anode always the source of positive ions in electrolysis?
No, Anode is where anions migrate, and it undergoes oxidation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is the Cathode always where positive ions migrate in electrolysis?
Yes, Cathode is where cations migrate, and it undergoes reduction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
During the charging of a rechargeable battery, which becomes the site of reduction, Anode or Cathode?
Anode becomes the site of reduction.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
In electroplating, which electrode is typically the source of metal ions, Anode or Cathode?
Anode is the source of metal ions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
Which electrode undergoes oxidation, Anode or Cathode?
Anode undergoes oxidation.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Which electrode undergoes reduction, Anode or Cathode?
Cathode undergoes reduction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
During the charging of a rechargeable battery, which becomes the site of oxidation, Anode or Cathode?
Cathode becomes the site of oxidation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
Which electrode releases electrons in a device, Anode or Cathode?
Anode releases electrons.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Which electrode accepts electrons in a device, Anode or Cathode?
Cathode accepts electrons.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Are Anode and Cathode designations constant across all devices?
No, their roles can vary depending on the device and its operation mode.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Do Anode and Cathode always correspond to negative and positive terminals respectively?
No, their roles can reverse based on the operation mode, like during charging of a rechargeable battery.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
In a diode, to which electrode do electrons flow in, Anode or Cathode?
Electrons flow into the Cathode.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
In electrolysis, where do cations migrate, Anode or Cathode?
Cations migrate towards the Cathode.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
In electroplating, which electrode is the object being plated, Anode or Cathode?
Cathode is the object being plated.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
In electrolysis, where do anions migrate, Anode or Cathode?
Anions migrate towards the Anode.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
