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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Chemistry » Cathode and Anode

Cathode and Anode

In this article we will learn about two main components of cell that are: cathode and Anode.

Table of Content
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Introduction

The flow of current defines the anode and cathode. Current, in its broadest sense, makes reference to any movement of electrical charge. However, keep in mind that current direction is determined by where a positive charge would move, not where a negative charge would move. So, if electrons move in a cell, current flows in the opposite direction. Why is it defined in this manner? Who knows, but this is the rule. When positive charge carriers, such as ions or protons, carry the charge, current flows in the same direction. Current flows in the opposite direction of negative charge carriers like electrons in metals.

Cathode

The negatively charged electrode is the cathode. The cathode tends to attract cations or positively charged particles.

The cathode is either an electron donor or a source of electrons. It is capable of accepting positive charges. Because the cathode can generate electrons, which are typically the electrical species that do the actual movement, it is possible to say that cathodes generate charge or that current flows from the cathode to the anode. This can be perplexing because the direction of current is defined by the movement of a positive charge. Just keep in mind that any motion of charged particles is current.

In a polarised electrical device, the cathode is the metallic electrode by which current flows. An anode, on the other hand, is the electrode in a polarised electrical device throughout which current flows in from an external circuit. Cathodes are named after cations (positively charged ions), while anodes are named after anions (negatively charged ions).

A cathode is essentially there to obtain electrons from the anode. Both the anode and cathode are immersed in an electrolyte solution, and electricity flows from the negative to positive parts of your battery via the conductor. In a nutshell, this is how a battery produces electricity.

A cathode can be made of any material as long as it is an efficient oxidising agent that remains stable in contact with an electrolyte. Because they have a useful working voltage, metallic oxides make excellent cathode materials. Copper oxide, lithium oxide, and graphic oxide are examples of these.

Anode

An anode is the electrode in a polarised electrical device that receives current from an external circuit. A cathode, on the other hand, is the eletrode in a polarised electrical device through which current flows. Cathodes are named after cations (positively charged ions), while anodes are named after anions (negatively charged ions).

The positively charged electrode is known as the anode. Electrons or anions are drawn to the anode. The anode can be a positive charge source or an electron acceptor.

An anode is a metal that oxidises, such as zinc or lithium, and thus loses electrons. It floats in an electrolyte solvent and slowly deteriorates as electrons flow along a conductor to the cathode.

The conductor (whether a metal wire or a tube) is how we access the electricity produced by the anode and, ultimately, how a battery powers our devices. The battery will die once the anode has completely eroded (or loses charge).

Difference between cathode and anode

An anode is indeed the electrode in a polarised electrical device that receives current from an external circuit.

A cathode, on the other hand, is the electrode in a polarised electrical device through which current flows. Cathodes are named after cations (positively charged ions), while anodes are named after anions (negatively charged ions).

The anode is indeed the charged negative electrode in a device that consumes electricity. Diodes, electrolytic cells in hydrogen production, as well as secondary battery cells in battery recharging are examples of such devices. However, because the flow of electrons is reversed in a power device, the anode is the negative terminal. Electrolytic cells for hydrogen production, vacuum tubes, cathode ray tubes, oscilloscopes, and primary battery cells are examples of such devices (this includes all non-rechargeable batteries).

To put it another way, how do users tell them apart about your battery?

It’s really quite simple. On each end of most RV, car, and even household batteries, there is a plus (+) and minus (-) sign. The minus sign refers to the anode because it is the negative electrode (and thus loses electrons). The plus sign, on the other hand, refers to the cathode because it is the positive electrode (and thus gains electrons).

Why is it important to understand the difference between an anode and a cathode in a battery?

Understanding the difference between anode and cathode is important because it allows you to understand exactly how your batteries work, whether you’re on a boat, driving a recreational vehicle, or simply changing the batteries in your remote. You’ll be self – confident to properly install your device’s powerhouse, whether you’re doing your own solar setup or replacing your batteries.

It’s also useful for jump-starting a car. Do you ever get stuck trying to figure out where to put the booster cable clamps? You now understand that one goes on the negative end (the anode) and the other goes just on positive end (the cathode)

Uses

  • The negative or reducing conductor that releases electrons to the external circuit and oxidises throughout a chemical science reaction is known as the anode charge.
  • The positive or oxidising conductor that acquires electrons from the external circuit and is lowered throughout the chemical science reaction is referred to as the cathode.
  • Electrolytes are commonly thought of as liquids, such as water or different solvents, with dissolved salts, acids, or alkalis required for ionic conductivity. It should be noted, however, that several batteries, in addition to the standard.

Conclusion

The negative or reducing electrode that emits electrons to the external circuit and oxidises during an electrochemical reaction is known as the anode.

The Cathode is the positive or oxidising electrode that takes electrons from the external circuit and reduces them during the electrochemical reaction.

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What do you mean by a cathode?

Ans :The negatively charged electrode is the cathode. The cathode tends to attract cations or posit...Read full

What do you mean by anode?

Ans : An anode is the electrode in a polarised electrical dev...Read full

State one difference between cathode and anode.

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What is one of the naib=n functions of cathode?

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Ans :The negatively charged electrode is the cathode. The cathode tends to attract cations or positively charged particles.

Ans : An anode is the electrode in a polarised electrical device that receives current from an external circuit. 

Ans : An anode is indeed the electrode in a polarised electrical device that receives current from an external circuit. A cathode, on the other hand, is the electrode in a polarised electrical device through which current flows.

Ans : The positive or oxidising conductor that acquires electrons from the external circuit and is reduced throughout the chemical science reaction is referred to as the cathode charge.

Ans : A cathode can be made of any material as long as it is an efficient oxidising agent that remains stable in contact with an electrolyte

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