Topic: Anode/Cathode Reversed Definitions in Plating
I have asked everyone I work with, and no one can tell me why Platers call the anode positive, but in the rest of the world the anode is negative. Can anyone give me an explanation for this?
Re: Anode/Cathode Reversed Definitions in Plating
By definition anode is the place where oxidation occurs.
Oxidation is not only the combination with oxygen, oxidation is the change of the valence of the atom.
If it is raised it is called oxidation is it is reduced it is called reduction, so calling the anode as the negative pole is ok for plating, because it is there where the oxidation occurs.
In the cathode the metal it is reduced, it pass from valence to zero from +1 +2 etc. and in the anode it pass from zero to +1 +2 etc.
Last edited by Daniel (12/22/2009 - 12:51 AM)
