Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 6

Define electrode, anode, and cathode.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An electrode is a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object. An anode is the type of electrode in an electrical device where oxidation occurs, essentially where loss of electrons occurs. A cathode, on the contrary, is where reduction occurs, or where gain of electrons takes place.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Electrode

An electrode is a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance, or region. In electrochemical reactions, electrodes are used to either gain or lose electrons.
02

Definition of Anode

An anode is the type of electrode in an electrical device where oxidation occurs. Basically, it is the site where loss of electrons occurs. In a discharging battery, the anode is the negative terminal, because it is where electrons are exiting the battery (and entering the circuit).
03

Definition of Cathode

A cathode is the type of electrode in an electrical device where reduction occurs. In simpler terms, it is the site where gain of electrons occurs. In a discharging battery, the cathode is the positive terminal, because it is where electrons are entering the battery (after completing the circuit).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A fuel cell uses methanol, CH \(_{3} \mathrm{OH},\) as fuel. Assuming complete oxidation of the fuel to \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) in acidic aqueous solution, how many electrons are transferred per \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\) molecule?

Explain the terms oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons.

Determine the oxidation number of each atom in \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3} .\)

Explain what half-reactions are and why they are useful.

What is a fuel cell?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free