Electrode

Name:
Electrode
Detailed information:
Either of two substances having different electromotive activity that enables an electric current to flow in the presence of an electrolyte. Electrodes are sometimes called plates or terminals. Commercial electrodes are made of a number of materials which vary widely in electrical conductivity, i.e., lead, lead dioxide, zinc, aluminum, copper, iron, manganese dioxide, nickel, cadmium, mercury, titanium, and graphite; research electrodes may be calomel (mercurous chloride), platinum, glass, or hydrogen. Electrodes are essential components of both batteries and electrolytic cells; in batteries the negative plate is the anode and the positive plate the cathode, whereas in electrolytic cells the reverse is the case.

Use:

Electrodes are also used in welding devices.

See Anode; Cathode; Battery; Electrolytic Cell.