What is the Difference Between Anode and Cathode?Īnode is the electrode at which current leaves the cell and where oxidation takes place while cathode is the electrode at which current enters the cell and reduction takes place. This balances electrons throughout the solution (electrolyte). They repel each other and move towards the cathode, which has fewer electrons. Here, electrons get disturbed and have to reorganize. When we connect these ends with electricity, a chemical reaction starts inside the battery. Traditionally, the electrodes are at ends of the battery. A simple battery consists of three major parts: anode, cathode and electrolyte. The anode is the electrode at which the current leaves the cell and where oxidation takes place. Side by Side Comparison – Anode vs Cathode in Tabular Form Furthermore, an electrode completes a circuit by passing current through it. but some electrodes are also made of non-metals like carbon. Electrodes are usually made of metals like copper, nickel, zinc, etc. An electrode is a conducting material that allows current to pass through it.

Anodes and cathodes are electrodes that are used for conducting electric current into or out of any device that makes use of electricity. To know the difference between anode and cathode, we first need to understand what they are. The key difference between anode and cathode is that anode is the positive terminal while cathode is the negative terminal.Īnodes and cathodes are electrodes with opposite polarity.

Cathode negative or positive