In shorthand notation for electrochemical cells, which component corresponds to the anode?

• A. The cathode
• B. The salt bridge
• C. The anode
• D. The electrode with the higher potential

Answer: (C)

In shorthand notation, the anode is the electrode on the left side of the cell, the site where oxidation occurs and electrons flow out into the external circuit. That left-hand electrode is the one that corresponds to the anode. The right-hand electrode is the cathode, where reduction happens. The salt bridge is just a connector to balance charge and isn’t an electrode. Saying the electrode with higher potential points to the cathode (the one with the higher reduction potential), not the anode, so it doesn’t describe the left-hand electrode.