Cathode is a ___ pole or terminal.

• A. Positive
• B. Neutral
• C. Ground
• D. Negative

Answer: (D)

Cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs. In electrolytic processes, the external power source drives electrons into the cathode, making it the negative terminal. That's why this answer is marked negative: the cathode accepts electrons to reduce species at that surface.

Keep in mind the sign can flip in a galvanic (voltaic) cell, where the cathode is positive because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through the external circuit. For practical examples, electroplating and electrolysis place the object to be plated or the reduced species at the cathode, which is negative in those setups.