Anode is defined as which of the following?

Anode is defined as which of the following?

• A. Negative electrode where reduction occurs
• B. Positive electrode where oxidation occurs
• C. Positive electrode where reduction occurs
• D. Negative electrode where oxidation occurs

Answer: (B)

Oxidation takes place at the anode. In galvanic (voltaic) cells, that electrode is the negative one because oxidation happens there and electrons flow out to the circuit. In electrolytic cells, oxidation still occurs at the anode, but the electrode is positive because an external power source drives the reaction. The statement that the anode is the positive electrode where oxidation occurs is correct in the electrolytic-cell context, which is why that option is the best choice here. The other descriptions mix up either the process (oxidation vs. reduction) or the polarity of the anode in different cell types.

Oxidation takes place at the anode. In galvanic (voltaic) cells, that electrode is the negative one because oxidation happens there and electrons flow out to the circuit. In electrolytic cells, oxidation still occurs at the anode, but the electrode is positive because an external power source drives the reaction. The statement that the anode is the positive electrode where oxidation occurs is correct in the electrolytic-cell context, which is why that option is the best choice here. The other descriptions mix up either the process (oxidation vs. reduction) or the polarity of the anode in different cell types.