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As per the definition of the electrode, it is any substance that is a good conductor of electricity and these substances usually connect non-metallic parts of a circuit for example semiconductors, an electrolyte, plasmas, vacuum, or even air. The term was first coined by William Whewell and derived from Greek words Elektron, which means “amber” and hodos which translates to “a way.” The enter and leave of current in the electrolyte is an electrode. Cathode and anode are the two terms that lie near the electrode. Cathode leaves the electrode current and, anode enters the current.
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Electrode, Conductor, Electricity, Circuit, Semiconductor, Electrolyte, Cathode, Anode, Gold, Platinum, Carbon, Metal, Graphite
Electrode
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The electrode is a point where current enters or leaves in a circuit. Electrochemical cells are a prime part of an electrode. William Whewell coined the term electrode. Moreover, it is derived from the Greek word ‘ Elektron’. Gold, platinum, carbon, metal, and graphite are electrodes. It ensures an oxidation-reduction reaction in cells.
The video below explains this:
Electrodes Detailed Video Explanation:
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Uses of Electrodes
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Some of the most prominent uses of electrodes are-
- The main use of electrodes is to generate electrical current and pass it through a non-metal object to basically modify them in several ways.
- Assist in asses conductivity.
- It is used in cathodic protection, membrane electrode assembly, electroplating, and electrolysis.
- The ECG, ECT, EEG in the medical field are also used by an electrode.
- Helps in electrophysiology techniques
Types of Electrodes
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They are mainly of two types-
- Reactive electrodes are those which take part in the reaction taking place in the cell and can dissolve in the electrolyte. Examples of reactive electrode – copper electrode, silver electrode, zinc electrode, etc. These are mainly used in potentiometric work.
- Inert electrodes are those that do not take part in the reaction. Examples of inert electrode – Carbon electrode, Platinum electrode etc.
Electrode Potential
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- The difference in potential between the electrode and the electrolyte is known as electrode potential.
- It refers to the Standard electrode potential when all species concentration involves in a half cell.
- Anode is a place in which oxidation takes place in a half-cell. Here, it consists of negative potential.
- In cathode, reduction occurs in a half-cell. It forms positive potential.
Difference between Anode and Cathode
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Electrodes are divided into two types. These are anode and cathode. The difference between these two shown in the table.
| Anode | Cathode |
|---|---|
| Oxidation takes place. | Reduction takes place. |
| Charge positively in an electrolytic cell. | Charge negatively in an electrolytic cell. |
| Anod attracts anions in an electrolytic cell. | In an electrolytic cell, the cathode absorbs cations. |
Things to Remember
- The enter and leave of current in the electrolyte is know as electrode.
- Cathode and anode are the two terms that lie near the electrode.
- Electrodes are used in cathodic protection, membrane electrode assembly, ECG, ECT, and EEG.
- Gas Electrodes, Metal soluble salt electrode, Metal Ion electrode, Redox Electrodes, Reactive electrodes, and Inert electrodes are different types of electrodes.
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Sample Questions
Ques. What is an electrode? (2 marks)
Ans. The electrode is a point where current enters or leaves in a circuit. Electrochemical cells are a prime part of an electrode. William Whewell coined the term electrode. Moreover, it is derived from the Greek word ‘ Elektron’. Gold, platinum, carbon, metal, and graphite are electrodes. It ensures an oxidation-reduction reaction in cells.
Ques. Write any three use of electrodes? (2 marks)
Ans. Three uses of Electrodes are-
- Electrodes produce an electric current.
- It aids in the measurement of conductivity.
- Cathodic protection, membrane electrode assembly, electroplating, and electrolysis are all applications for it.
Ques. Which are the two components of an electrode? (3 marks)
Ans. Cathode and anode are the two terms that lie near the electrode. The Anode is the negative or reducing electrode that releases electrons to the external circuit and oxidizes during an electrochemical reaction. The Cathode is the positive or oxidizing electrode that acquires electrons from the external circuit and is reduced during the electrochemical reaction. Cathode leaves the electrode current and, anode enters the current. The cathode is the current that leaves the electrodes or the cathode is a result of a reduction reaction taking place in an electrolyte mixture. Here electrons are released from the electrode and the surrounding solution is reduced.
Ques. What is the difference between reactive and inert electrodes? (2 marks)
Ans. An electrode dissolves in electrolyte and takes part in the reaction of a cell is reactive electrodes. Copper electrode, silver electrode, zinc electrode, copper electrode are examples. Inert electrodes did not take part in a reaction. Carbon electrodes, Platinum electrodes are examples.
Ques. Define a gas electrode. (2 marks)
Ans. These electrodes make contact with the ion solutions gas. OH- and H+, for example. Gas electrodes determine the gas pressure and ion solution concentration. The metal wire of a gas electrode sinks in the ion solution. Moreover, the conductor used to absorb the gas is platinum. Standard hydrogen electrodes, oxygen gas electrodes, and chlorine gas electrodes are among the examples.
Ques. What are the three vital distinctions between the cathode and anode? (4 marks)
Ans.
| Anode | Cathode |
|---|---|
| Oxidation takes place. | Reduction takes place. |
| Charge positively in an electrolytic cell. | Charge negatively in an electrolytic cell. |
| Anod attracts anions in an electrolytic cell. | In an electrolytic cell, the cathode absorbs cations. |
Ques. Define electrode potential. (3 marks)
Ans. Electrode potential is the electromotive force of a galvanic cell built from a standard reference electrode and another electrode to be characterized. By convention, the reference electrode is the standard hydrogen electrode. It is defined to have a potential of zero volts. In simple words, the difference in potential between the electrode and the electrolyte is known as electrode potential. It refers to Standard electrode potential when all species concentration involves in a half cell.
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