Science glossary film: Anode

An anode is the terminal from which electrons leave a system. In a device which consumes power the anode is positive, and in a device which provides power the anode is negative. In electrolysis, the anode is the electrode connected to the positive terminal of an external electric supply. It attracts negative ions, which then give up electrons to the anode.

In a device which consumes power the anode is positive, and in a device which provides power the anode is negative. In electrolysis, the anode is the electrode connected to the positive terminal of an external electric supply. It attracts negative ions, which then give up electrons to the anode.