During electrolysis, the anode is the positive electrode.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the electrolyte
• D. It depends on the power supply orientation

Answer: (A)

In electrolysis, the electrode where oxidation occurs is the anode, and the external power supply pulls electrons away from that electrode. Because electrons are drawn out, the anode is attached to the positive terminal of the supply, so it becomes the positive electrode. The other electrode—the cathode—is the site of reduction and is connected to the negative terminal, making it negative.

For example, in molten sodium chloride, the anode (positive) releases electrons from chloride ions to form chlorine gas, while at the cathode (negative) sodium ions gain electrons to form sodium metal. This setup confirms that the anode is the positive electrode during electrolysis.