Electrolysis Practice Exam

What is another term for the positive pole in electrolysis?

1. Negative pole

2. Neutral pole

3. Electrode

4. Anode

The correct answer is: Anode

In electrolysis, the positive pole is referred to as the anode. The anode is where oxidation reactions occur, meaning that it is the electrode that attracts anions (negatively charged ions). In an electrolytic cell, the current flows into the anode, which is associated with the positive end of the power supply, and it is essential for the process of electrolysis as it facilitates the breakdown of compounds. Understanding the role of the anode is crucial when studying electrolysis because it is that terminal where electrons are pulled away from the electrolyte, leading to the chemical reactions that separate the compounds being electrolyzed. In contrast, the negative pole, known as the cathode, is where reduction occurs and attracts cations (positively charged ions). This differentiation between anode and cathode is a fundamental concept in electrochemical processes, informing how materials behave in various electrolysis applications.