Differences Between Anode and Cathode

Each component or gadget in an electric circuit includes terminals for connecting to other components. Element electrodes are another name for these terminals. Anode and cathode electrodes are the two kinds that makeup electrodes.

This article will explain the relationship between anode and cathode. Yet, to better recognize the differences between anode and cathode, it is essential that we first comprehend the basic concepts of each.

Definition of Anode

The anode is the electrode of a device, a cell, a battery, a diode, etc., where the oxidation process (loss of electrons) takes place. In simplified terms, the anode is a device terminal where electrons exit the device.

The anode can be either positive or negative, depending on the device. For instance, the anode is the negative terminal of a battery, which supplies energy to the circuit, and the positive terminal, in the case of a diode, absorbs electrical energy.

Every device's anode is where negative ions, or anions, interact with the electrode substance and release electrons. The driving circuit is now filled with these electrons.

Definition of Cathode

Cathode refers to the electrode of a device that conducts reduction reactions (electrons are gained). A cathode is an electrode used by a device to receive electrons.

Depending on the kind of device, the cathode can have a positive or negative charge, much like the anode. For instance, the cathode is the positive terminal in a device that supplies energy to the circuit, such as a battery (or galvanic cell). The cathode is a negative terminal in a device like a diode that absorbs electrical energy.

Differences Between Anode and Cathode

1. Electrode

Anode refers to the electrode where oxidation, or the loss of electrons, occurs, making this the primary difference between anode and cathode. On the other hand, the cathode is the electrode where reduction, or the gain of electrons, occurs.

2. Terminal

The anode's particular designation as positive and the cathodes as negative are incorrect. The terminal polarity differs depending on whether an electrolytic or galvanic cell is used.

3. Electrolytic Cell

An electrolytic cell's anode is a positive terminal, and its cathode is negatively polarized. The result is that a cathode draws positively charged particles, whereas an anode attracts negatively charged particles.

4. Galvanic Cell

Anode keeps the negative polarity in a galvanic cell, whereas the cathode is the positive terminal. As a result, the cathode will attract negatively charged particles in this situation, whereas the anode would do the opposite.

5. The Direction of the Current Flow

The anode typically receives electricity coming from the outside. The cathode, through which current leaves the device. It indicates that electrons move outside the device from the anode to the cathode.

6.Redox Reaction

In redox reaction-based devices, oxidation occurs at the anodes. Cathodes, on the other hand, are where reduction happens.

7. Electrolysis

The anode serves as the positive terminal in electrolysis. In contrast, the cathode in a galvanic cell creates the negative terminal.

8. Electron Guns and X-ray Tubes

In electron guns and X-ray tubes, the component that discharges electrons into the device serves as the cathode.The anode in the component gathers the electrons.

Conclusion

Galvanic and electrolytic electrochemical cells are the two main kinds that have been identified. Current flows in the opposite direction to the direction that a negatively charged particle flows. Current travels from the anode to the cathode in an electrolytic cell. The direction of current Flow in a galvanic cell is from cathode to anode.