Question #f3d26
1 Answer
Yes the anode and cathode only acquire charge when the current is passed through them. In a battery the opposite occurs the electrons flow creating the current from the anion to the cathode.
Explanation:
The anode is the side where oxidation takes place. ( Oxygen has a high electron negativity so attracts positive ions.) The anode attracts positive charges in the solution and passes electrons through the wire to the cathode where reduction takes place. ( Reduction is a loss of positive charge making the electrode more negative.
Electrolysis can be used in electroplating to coat a base metal with a more precious valuable metal. A steel or copper spoon in a solution with gold ions can be coated with gold. The spoon becomes the anode where the positive gold ions are attracted and electrically bonded.
