Cathode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cathode
[ˈkæθoʊd ]
Definition
electric devices
A cathode is an electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarized electrical device. In a variety of electronic components, such as batteries and diodes, the cathode is essential for the functioning of the device. In the context of electrolysis, it is the electrode at which reduction reactions occur. Additionally, in vacuum tubes and cathode-ray tubes, the cathode emits electrons that create images or signals when they strike a phosphorescent surface.
Synonyms
electrode, negative pole.
Examples of usage
- The cathode of the battery is where the chemical reaction occurs.
- In the CRT, electrons are emitted from the cathode.
- The cathode must be properly aligned for optimal device performance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In a battery, the cathode is where reduction (gain of electrons) happens, crucial for generating electric current.
- Different types of materials can be used for cathodes, impacting the efficiency of batteries, like lithium in lithium-ion cells.
Technology
- Cathodes are essential components in many electronic devices, including old television sets and cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors.
- Modern advancements have improved cathode materials, resulting in longer-lasting, more efficient batteries in smartphones and electric cars.
History
- The cathode was first defined in the 1830s, during early experiments with galvanic cells and electrochemistry.
- It played a crucial role in the development of early electrical technologies that paved the way for today’s electronics.
Physics
- Understanding how cathodes work is vital for studying concepts like electrolysis, which is the process of using electricity to break down substances.
- In physics, a cathode is always paired with an anode, which serves the opposite function as the site of oxidation (loss of electrons).
Origin of 'cathode'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'cathode' comes from the Greek word 'kathodos,' meaning 'way down' or 'descent.'
- The concept was popularized in the 19th century by scientists studying electricity and magnetism.
The term 'cathode' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the Greek word 'kathodos', which means 'way down'. The prefix 'cath-' relates to the idea of movement or flow, particularly in an electrical context. This terminology was established during the development of early electrical theories and technologies, which were exploring the behavior of electrical currents and their pathways. In 1839, the term became more widely adopted when scientists began to use it to categorize various electrodes in electrochemical cells. Initially, the use of the word was specific to the context of electrolysis, where the cathode is defined as the electrode representing the reduction process. Over time, its application expanded to include a variety of fields, including electronics and physics, reflecting the evolving understanding of electric current and charge movement.