Electrode
Key Stage 4
Meaning
An electrode is a conductor which passes an electrical current through a substance.
About Electrodes
- The negative electrode is referred to as the cathode.
- The positive electrode is referred to as the anode.
- Electrodes are used during electrolysis of ionic compounds.
- In electrolysis positive ions are attracted to the cathode where they gain electrons to become neutral atoms.
- In electrolysis negative ions are attracted to the anode where they lose electrons to become neutral atoms or compounds.