Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2153 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Anode and Cathode by Reaction, Not by Charge
Captions available
The idea
The anode is always where oxidation occurs and the cathode always where reduction occurs, in every electrochemical cell, regardless of which electrode carries which charge.
In practice
In a galvanic cell, the anode is the negative terminal; identify it from "where electrons release," not its sign.
Where people slip
Memorizing "anode is negative" as fixed breaks at an electrolytic cell.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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