![]() ![]() Release is by a passing current from the positive cathode through an external load and back to the negative anode. ![]() This leads electrons moving towards the cathode, creating a voltage potential between the cathode and the anode. When charging, a buildup of positive ions forms at cathode/electrolyte interface. The most significant difference between an anode and a cathode is that the anode is the terminal where loss of electrons takes place, while the cathode is the terminal at which gain of electrons occurs.An electrochemical battery consists of a cathode, an anode and electrolyte that act as a catalyst. Therefore, one must not assume that the anode is positive and cathode is negative. For example, the anode is a positive terminal for an electrolytic cell, whereas it is negative for a galvanic cell. You should always keep in mind that the polarity of an anode or a cathode depends on the type of device. The cathode of a galvanic cell acts as a positive electrode. The anode of a galvanic cell acts as a negative electrode The cathode of an electrolytic cell is a negative terminal. In an electrolytic cell, the anode acts as a positive terminal. The cathode acts as a negative terminal for the load devices. In case of source device, the cathode acts as a positive terminal.įor a device that acts as a load in a circuit such as diode, the anode acts as a positive terminal. In a device that acts as the source of electrical energy such as battery, the anode acts as a negative terminal. The cathode is also called an electron acceptor, as it always receives the electrons. Sometimes, the anode is also called as electron donor, as it always releases the electrons. The reduction reaction always occurs at the anode.Īn oxidation reaction always takes place at the cathode. However, there are several differences between the anode and cathode, which are highlighted in the following table: Basis of DifferenceĪnode is an electrode of a device where oxidation reaction (loss of electrons) takes place.Ĭathode is an electrode of a device where reduction reaction (gain of electrons) takes place.Įlectrons always flow outward of the anode. ![]() Difference between Anode and Cathodeīoth anode and cathode are the electrodes of a same electrical device. Whereas in case of a device which consumes electrical energy like diode, the cathode is a negative terminal. galvanic cell), the cathode is the positive terminal. For example, in case of a device which delivers energy to the circuit such as battery (ex. Like to the anode, the cathode may also be positively charged or negative charged based on the types of device. In simple terms, we can say a cathode is the electrode of a device through which the electrons enter into the device. What is Cathode?Īn electrode of a device where reduction reaction (gain of electrons) takes place is called cathode. These electrons now flow in the driving circuit. In any device, at the anode, the negative ions, called anions, react with the electrode material and give off electrons. For example, in case of a battery (delivers energy to the circuit), the anode is a negative terminal, while in case of a diode (consumes electrical energy), the anode is a positive terminal. In simple words, we can define the anode as a terminal of the device at which the electrons leave the device.ĭepending on the device, the anode may be positive or negative. where oxidation reaction (loss of electrons) occurs is known as anode. What is Anode?Īn electrode of a device such as cell, battery, diode, etc. But, before discussing the difference, we should get the basics of anode and cathode so that the understanding of differences between them becomes easier. This article is meant for explaining the difference between anode and cathode. The electrodes are classified in two types namely anode and cathode. These terminals of the element are also called electrodes of the element. Any electric circuit element or device has terminals for making connection in the circuit. ![]()
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