The electrode at which oxidation occurs is called what?

The electrode at which oxidation occurs is called what?

• A. Anode
• B. Cathode
• C. Electrolyte
• D. Salt bridge

Answer: (A)

Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and it takes place at the anode. At this electrode, the species lose electrons and those electrons flow through the external circuit toward the other electrode where reduction occurs. In a galvanic cell, the anode is the negative side, while the cathode is positive, but in an electrolytic cell the roles are reversed in terms of external voltage while oxidation still happens at the anode. The other terms—cathode is where reduction happens, the electrolyte is the ion-containing medium, and the salt bridge allows ions to move to balance charge.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and it takes place at the anode. At this electrode, the species lose electrons and those electrons flow through the external circuit toward the other electrode where reduction occurs. In a galvanic cell, the anode is the negative side, while the cathode is positive, but in an electrolytic cell the roles are reversed in terms of external voltage while oxidation still happens at the anode. The other terms—cathode is where reduction happens, the electrolyte is the ion-containing medium, and the salt bridge allows ions to move to balance charge.