In corrosion, the electrode that loses electrons is
- the cathode.
- either the cathode or the anode depending upon the electrolyte.
- the anode.
Explanation
By definition the anode is where oxidation occurs, meaning the metal atoms give up electrons and pass into solution as ions. The cathode is where those electrons are consumed by a reduction reaction. The losing-electrons (corroding) electrode is therefore always the anode, regardless of the electrolyte involved.
android811 asking:
I don't understand.
Cathode is positive and electrons are negative. How can electrons ever be attracted to anode?
Community Comments (3)
J
JD2016 Posts: 54 04.10.2016 / 22:08
I agree that the answer is incorrect but the cathode is negative not positive. CNAP - Cathode Negative Anode Positive.
A
android811 Posts: 2 05.10.2016 / 15:12
Ok thanks, I just remember cations are positively charged. This is going to be tough to remember!
K
Kipruto Geofrey Posts: 1 13.03.2017 / 16:44
Anode - The electrode where galvanic reaction(s) generate electrons - negative ions are discharged and positive ions are formed. Corrosion occurs at the anode.
Please Sign In to post a comment.