The key difference between anode and cathode is that anode and cathode are two fundamental components in electrochemical cells and devices like batteries and electrolysis cells. They play opposite roles in these systems.
What is Anode?
An anode is an electrode in an electrochemical cell or device such as batteries or electrolytic cells where oxidation takes place during a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In these devices, anodes are essential for the flow of electric current.
When an electrochemical cell is active, chemical reactions occur at the anode. In other words, it is the site where electrons are lost. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, and as a result, the anode becomes positively charged. The term “anode” is commonly used in various electrochemical processes, such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and corrosion processes.
In an electrolytic cell, where a non-spontaneous chemical reaction is driven by an external electrical source, the anode becomes positive, attracting negatively charged ions, and causing them to undergo reactions and produce new substances. The anode is a crucial component in various electrochemical processes, playing a role in generating electricity, corrosion, and many other chemical transformations
What is Cathode?
A cathode is an electrode in an electrochemical cell or device where reduction takes place during a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. It is a fundamental component of many chemical processes, such as electrolysis, batteries, and electroplating.
During an electrochemical reaction, the cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs. Reduction involves the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state. In simple terms, it’s the site where positive ions in the solution gain electrons and turn into neutral atoms or molecules. The term “cathode” is commonly used in various electrochemical processes, such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and electroplating.
In an electrolytic cell (where electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction), the cathode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. On the other hand, in a galvanic cell (where a spontaneous chemical reaction generates electrical energy), the cathode is connected to the positive terminal of the cell.
The cathode is the electrode where reduction takes place, and it is essential for various chemical processes involving the flow of electrons.
Anode Vs Cathode
Below is a table outlining the main differences between anode and cathode:
| property | Anode | Cathode |
| Definition | The electrode where oxidation occurs. | The electrode where reduction occurs. |
| Oxidation/Reduction | Anode is the site of oxidation, i.e., it loses electrons. | In a galvanic cell, a zinc electrode is an anode. |
| Electron flow | Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. | Electrons flow from the cathode to the anode. |
| Charge | In a galvanic cell, a zinc electrode is the anode. | Usually, the anode has a negative charge in the galvanic ( Voltaic cell). |
| Example | The cathode is the site of reduction, i.e., it gains electrons. | Usually, the cathode has a positive charge in the galvanic ( Voltaic cell). |