Introduction
Electrodes are good conductors of electricity. Electrodes are used to make contact between non-metallic parts such as electrolytes, semiconductors, air, etc. of the circuit. The word Electrode is made of two Greek words electron which means amber and hoods which means away. The word Electrode was coined by William Whewell.
What is an Electrode?
An Electrode can be defined as the point where current either enters or leaves the electrolyte or circuit. When the current leaves the Electrode it is known as the cathode while when the current enters the Electrode it is known as an anode.
Electrodes are the main component of electrochemical cells. An Electrode must be a good conductor of electricity. Although inert Electrodes also exist which don’t take part in the reaction. An electrode can be of gold, platinum, carbon, graphite, metal, etc. The electrode provides a surface for oxidation reduction reactions in the cells.
Cathode and Anode in Electrochemical Cells
In an electrochemical cell, an Electrode is referred to as either cathode or anode. The anode can be defined as the Electrode at which electrons leave the cell and oxidation takes place while the cathode can be defined as the Electrode at which electrons enter the cell and reduction takes place. Any of the two Electrodes can become either anode or cathode depending on the direction of current through the cell. The Electrode that can function as anode in one cell while cathode in another is called bipolar Electrode.
Primary cells are those electrochemical cells in which irreversible reactions occur; that's why these identities of cathode and anode are fixed. In these cells anode will always be negative or at this point oxidation will occur. While cathode will always be positive or at this rate reduction will occur. Example of a primary cell is a galvanic cell.
Secondary cells or electrolytic cells are rechargeable; it means reversible chemical reactions occur in these cells. In these cells anode is always positive while cathode is always negative.
Types of Electrodes
Electrodes are mainly of two types – Reactive Electrodes and Inert Electrodes
Reactive Electrodes are those Electrodes 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, copper Electrode etc. These are mainly used in potentiometric work.
Inert Electrodes are those Electrodes which do not take part in the reaction. Examples of inert Electrodes – Carbon Electrode, Platinum Electrode etc.
Uses of Electrodes
Electrodes are used to make contact between nonmetal components of a circuit in a cell.
Electrodes are used to measure conductivity.
These are used in fuel cells in vehicles.
These are used for medical purposes such as EEG, ECG, ECT and defibrillator.
These are used for electrophysiology techniques in biomedical research.
These are used in the execution of electric chairs.
These are used for electroplating.
These are used for arc welding.
These are used for grounding.
These are used in electrochemistry.
These are used for chemical analysis of substances.
These are used in membrane Electrode assembly.
These are used in electroshock weapons.
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FAQs on Electrode
1. Is the topic of Electrodes difficult to understand?
One of the most important things in all the books of any syllabus, is that they are prepared by taking so many aspects of the students into consideration. Hence, the syllabus of each of the standards, each chapter, and each topic of it, is made in such a manner that it can be grasped by the students of that standard. And the same goes for the topic of Electrodes, only the portion of this topic which can be comprehensible by the students, is included here. And therefore, it is not going to be difficult for the students to understand it.
2. Can I skip the topic of Electrodes?
Each and every chapter of each and every subject of the syllabus is very important for the students to learn, including each and every topic included in it. Because the syllabus is made for enhancing the knowledge of the students for the topic, and also, skipping is not going to help you in the exams. Because questions from this topic are going to be there in the exam. And hence, it becomes very much important for the students to study the topic of Electrodes thoroughly.
3. Should I solve the question regarding the Electrodes?
For the subject of science the practice is a must and the best way to have the practice is by solving the questions, that is to say, solving as many questions as possible. because by solving the questions students can check their understanding of the topic, and also can check which part of the topic they have not understood in a better manner. And therefore, students must solve the questions regarding the Electrodes as well. Because it is the best way to check your knowledge regarding the topic.
4. I am looking for a detailed understanding of the topic of Electrode?
If you are looking for a detailed understanding of the Electrodes then you have already arrived at the right place. Vedantu provides the students with a complete and detailed understanding of the Electrodes, its Definition, along with the detailed explanation on the cathode and Anode in Electrochemical cells. The explanation is available in a simple language so that students can study and learn about the topic of Electrodes easily and in a better way. Furthermore, there is no fee at all, hence this whole explanation is available free of cost to all of the students.
5. Why should I choose Vedantu for the understanding of the Electrodes?
There are quite a few reasons for choosing Vedantu for your studies. A few of them are mentioned below:
Vedantu believes in quality, but along with quality it does provide great quantity as well, hence at Vedantu, you learn not only about the Electrodes but about so many different things related to it as well.
The language of science can be sometimes difficult for the students to understand, and hence Vedantu provides everything about the Electrodes in a simplified manner so that students do not have to have any trouble in understanding the same.
The Material of such quality for Electrodes is available at Vedantu only because of the team of experts and professionals that Vedantu possesses for each of the subjects. And these professionals have prepared explanations of the Electrodes for the students.