- published: 28 Nov 2012
- views: 172418
A cathode is the electrode from which a conventional current leaves a polarized electrical device. This definition is sometimes remembered using the mnemonic CCD for cathode current departs. A conventional current describes the direction in which positive electronic charges move. Electrons have a negative charge, so the movement of electrons is opposite to the conventional current flow. Consequently, the mnemonic cathode current departs also means that electrons flow into the device's cathode.
Cathode polarity with respect to the anode can be positive or negative; it depends on how the device operates. Although positively charged cations always move towards the cathode (hence their name) and negatively charged anions move away from it, cathode polarity depends on the device type, and can even vary according to the operating mode. In a device which takes energy (such as recharging a battery), the cathode is negative, and in a device which provides energy (such as discharging a battery), the cathode is positive:
We can give you all keep watching feel tall - keep watching, keep watching.
We can make you all the things you ever wanted to be - keep watching, keep watching.
Don't blink two seconds you might throw your only chance away.
Don't blink, two seconds, keep watching, keep watching.
Image lies, image light, image lies, image light.
Keep watching, keep watching, stay on line almost time, keep watching.
Be one of us be one of us, come inside bathe in the light - wash your thoughts away.
Image tells no lies, blanket acceptance open eyes - keep watching, keep watching.
I see you crawl keep watching feel small - keep watching, keep watching.
Don't blink two seconds you might throw your only chance away.
Don't blink, two seconds, keep watching, keep watching.
Image lies, image light, image lies, image light.
Be one of us be one of us, come inside come inside, be one of us.
You're one of us you're one of us, here is where it is we are where it is,
you're one of us.
Too late, it's too late.
Keep watching, (just) keep watching, stay on line almost time, keep watching.