Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Ions

IONS, the components into which an electrolyte is broken up on electrolysis. The one, the anion (the electro-negative component—e. g., chlorine), travels “against” the current (in its conventional direction in the circuit), and is deposited on or chemically attacks the anode or positive electrode; the other, the cation (the electro-positive component—e. g., copper), travels "with" the current to the cathode—e. g., to the spoons in the plating bath. See Electricity.