Chemistry

AN OX, RED CAT

Anode Oxidation Reduction Cathode

Helps you remember which electrode undergoes which reaction.

✨ Tap to flipAnode Oxidation Reduction Cathode

Quick self-quiz

Reveal allReset

Tap each word to check what it stands for.

• A?
• O?
• R?
• C?

When to use it

Use it in electrochemical cell problems to quickly assign oxidation to the anode and reduction to the cathode.

Example

In a galvanic cell the zinc electrode is the anode (AN OX, oxidation), and the copper electrode is the cathode (RED CAT, reduction).

Common mistake

Reversing the pair. The anode is always where oxidation happens, regardless of whether the cell is galvanic or electrolytic.