Anode Versus Cathode

Electrode	REDOX	Mass	Electron flow	Salt bridge
Anode	Site of oxidation: electrons are lost by the metal. The anode is a reducing agent because its behaviour will reduce ions at the cathode.	Mass decreases as the reacting anode material becomes aqueous.	Electrons leaves the anode, so the TOP of the anode is given a (-) sign	Attracts anions(negatively charged ions) because the solution around the anode accumulates (+) ions from the oxidation
Cathode	Site of reduction: electrons are gained by the ions around the cathode. These ions are the oxidizing agent because by taking electrons, they cause the anode to be oxidized.	Mass increases as aqueous ions turn to solid at the cathode.	Electrons are received by the cathode, so the TOP of the cathode is given a (+) sign	Attracts cations (positively charged ions) because the solution around the cathode consumes (+) ions from the reduction and leaves (-) behind.

MNEMONICS:

ALL OLD CARS RUST= Anode (oxidation); Cathode (reduction)

Anions –sounds like onions = make you cry (-)

Cations = vacations = (+)