BACK TO cathode

anode vs. cathode

anode vs. cathode: What’s the difference?

In batteries, voltaic cells, and electrolytic cells, anodes and cathodes are both electrodes—conductors through which a current enters or leaves. The anode is the electrode through which the current enters. The cathode is the electrode through which the current leaves. The words are used differently in the context of different devices.

anode

[ an-ohd ]
noun
  1. the electrode or terminal by which current enters an electrolytic cell, voltaic cell, battery, etc.
  2. the negative terminal of a voltaic cell or battery.
  3. the positive terminal, electrode, or element of an electron tube or electrolytic cell.

cathode

[ kath-ohd ]
noun
  1. the electrode or terminal by which current leaves an electrolytic cell, voltaic cell, battery, etc.
  2. the positive terminal of a voltaic cell or battery.
  3. the negative terminal, electrode, or element of an electron tube or electrolytic cell.