ANODE AND CATHODE - The anode and cathode are defined by the flow of current. In the general sense, current refers to any movement of electrical charge. However, you should keep in mind the convention that current direction is according to where a positive charge would move, not a negative charge. So, if electrons do the actual moving in a cell, then current runs the opposite direction.

Anode and 

Cathode

How to Define Anode and Cathode 

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Here's a look at the difference between the anode and cathode of a cell or battery and how you can remember which is which.

FLOW OF CURRENT

The anode and cathode are defined by the flow of current.

In the general sense, current refers to any movement of electrical charge.

However, you should keep in mind the convention that current direction is according to where a positive charge would move, not a negative charge.

So, if electrons do the actual moving in a cell, then current runs the opposite direction.

Why is it defined this way? Who knows, but that's the standard.

Current flows in the same direction as positive charge carriers, for example, when positive ions  or protons carry the charge.

Current flows opposite the direction of negative charge carriers, such as electrons in metals.

CATHODE

·       The cathode is the negatively charged electrode.

·       The cathode attracts cations or positive charge.

·       The cathode is the source of electrons or an electron donor. It may accept positive charge.

·       Because the cathode may generate electrons, which typically are the electrical species doing the actual movement, it may be said that cathodes generate charge or that current moves from the cathode to the anode.

This can be confusing, because the direction of current would be defined by the way a positive charge would move. Just remember, any movement of charged particles is current.

ANODE

·       The anode is the positively charged electrode.

·       The anode attracts electrons or anions.

·       The anode may be a source of positive charge or an electron acceptor.

CATHODE AND ANODE

Remember, charge can flow either from positive to negative or from negative to positive!

Because of this, the anode could be positively charged or negatively charged, depending on the situation.

The same is true for the cathode.

KEEPING THEM STRAIGHT

Remember the cathode attracts cations or the cathode attracts + charge.

The anode attracts negative charge. 

ANNE MARIE HELMENSTINE, PH.D. is an author and consultant with a broad scientific and medical background.

EXPERIENCE

Anne has taught chemistry, biology, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate level. In her doctoral work, Anne developed ultra-sensitive chemical detection and medical diagnostic tests. She has worked abstracting/indexing diverse scientific literature for the Department of Energy. She presently works as a freelance writer and scientific consultant. She enjoys adapting lab-based science projects so that they can be performed safely at home.

EDUCATION

Dr. Helmenstine has bachelor of arts degrees in physics and mathematics with a minor in chemistry from Hastings College in Nebraska and a doctorate of philosophy in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Chemistry is part of everyone's life, from cooking and cleaning to the latest computer chip technology and vaccine development. It doesn't have to be intimidating and it doesn't have to be hard to understand.

You can read more about Anne's current and past work on her Google Profile: Anne Helmenstine. Find Anne's printable periodic tables and science projects at Science Notes.

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-define-anode-and-cathode-606452

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