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The Curious Bag
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A cathode is type of electrode. Electrodes are materials that conduct electrical current either by emitting or accepting electrons at either end of a circuit. In general, reports av8n.com, the cathode is where the current leaves the circuit.
Reduction
Cathodes work through a process called reduction, in which the cathode gains electrons that have moved through an external circuit, according to shodor.org. The electrons are lost from an electrode called an anode through oxidation.
Placement
The cathode is always separated from the anode in some manner. Otherwise the electrons would flow directly from the anode to the cathode rather than through an external circuit.
Exceptions
Rechargeable batteries represent a particular exception because, as the battery is recharging, the cathode and anode switch roles. The cathode (now anode) experiences oxidation and sends electrons to the anode (now cathode) which experience reduction.
Materials
Electrodes (cathodes or anodes) are predominantly made out of metal in everyday uses, such as batteries. Common examples of metals used include lead, zinc, manganese-oxide, nickel and cadmium.
Uses
The most widespread used of cathodes is in disposable and rechargeable batteries, but they are also used in CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions, CRT computer monitors and amplifier tubes, reports av8n.com.
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