Which term describes the negatively charged electrode?

Which term describes the negatively charged electrode?

• A. Cathode
• B. Anode
• C. Anion
• D. Electrode

Answer: (A)

The negatively charged electrode is the cathode because it is the site where reduction occurs and electrons flow toward it. In electrolysis, the external power source drives electrons to the cathode, making it negative, and reductions such as H+ gaining electrons to form hydrogen gas happen there. The other electrode, where oxidation occurs, is the anode and is positive in electrolysis. Remember that in galvanic (spontaneous) cells the polarity swaps, so the anode can be negative and the cathode positive, but the defining feature of the cathode is that it is the electrode that accepts electrons and is where reduction takes place.

The negatively charged electrode is the cathode because it is the site where reduction occurs and electrons flow toward it. In electrolysis, the external power source drives electrons to the cathode, making it negative, and reductions such as H+ gaining electrons to form hydrogen gas happen there. The other electrode, where oxidation occurs, is the anode and is positive in electrolysis. Remember that in galvanic (spontaneous) cells the polarity swaps, so the anode can be negative and the cathode positive, but the defining feature of the cathode is that it is the electrode that accepts electrons and is where reduction takes place.