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An anode has several meanings depending on the context:
- In electrical circuits:
- It is the positive pole or terminal where electrons flow out of the device or circuit.
- It is the electrode where oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs.
- In electrolytic cells:
- It is the positive terminal where oxidation occurs during electrolysis, attracting negative ions.
- In corrosion protection (sacrificial anode):
- It refers to a material (such as zinc, aluminum, or alloys) attached to the hull of a vessel.
- The sacrificial anode protects the vessel’s metal hull from corrosion by acting as a sacrificial electrode.
- As electric current flows from the vessel to the water, the anode is oxidized (sacrificed) instead of the vessel’s hull, preventing corrosion of the hull plating through electrolysis.
Anodes play crucial roles in electrical systems, electrolysis processes, and corrosion prevention, each involving the flow of electrons or ions to achieve specific functions.
See Related Terms:
- Sacrificial anode
- Soluble anode
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