Things one should know about Electrodes

Electrodes are conductors of electricity where they are used to complete the circuit with a non metallic electrolyte in electrical cells. They are very useful in production of electricity for use in homes, cars and other electrical appliances. Electrodes are divided into two whereby we have the anode and the cathode respectively.For the anode there are different activities hat occur on it for the purpose of the generation of electricity. Electrons at this electrode leave the cell and at the same time oxidation takes place. On the other hand at the cathode electrode, there is a reduction process of the ions and also electrons enter the cell through this electrode.These activities are necessary for the generation of electricity by the cell. An electric current is passed through the electrolyte through with the help of the electrodes. In that case, the cathode which is negatively charged may become the anode and that goes for the anode too. This depends on the type of electric current subjected to the cell. For the direct current the anode and cathode will not change the signs. On the other hand, the use of alternating current will mean that the anode and cathode will keep on changing throughout the process in the cell. This means that it will be difficult for one to identify which electrode is the anode or cathode. Electrodes are used in different types of cells which includes the primary cell and the secondary cell. The primary cell is one which cannot be recharged. However, the cell can be recharged. These types of cells have fixed charged electrodes which are the anode and the cathode. On the other hand the secondary cells can be recharged. In that case, the chemical reactions in the cell are reversible which makes them to be recharged for reuse. During charging and recharging the electrodes change their signs make the process possible. These types of cells are economical and hence reliable for use in cars and homes for the production of electricity. There are different types of electrodes used in the generation of electric current for use. There are welding electrodes which are used to join two pieces of metal together. This takes place where the rod used in welding is the cathode in case of a direct current.On the use of this type of electrode an electriccurrent is passed through the electrode so as to enable welding to take place. The electrode may be made up of tungsten or gas depending on the process. Electrodes serve a number of uses in providing electric current.They are used for medical purposes where they are used to treat patients through the provision of electric current. As we have seen they are also used for the purpose of welding where different pieces of metal are altered for the purpose of constructing useful structures like metal windows and doors. In electroplating, electrodes are useful which involves coating other metals with a stainless steel metal in order to improve on their quality. This makes them to be rust proof and hence durable.