The word "kathode" is spelled with a 'k' and not a 'c' because it comes from the Greek word κάθοδος (kathodos), which starts with the letter κ (kappa) and not with the letter c. The IPA transcription for "kathode" is /kæθoʊd/, where the 'a' sound is pronounced as "æ", the 'o' as "oʊ", and the 'th' is listed as a single sound "θ". This spelling is used in fields such as electronics, where the cathode is an electrode that emits electrons into an electrical device.
Kathode, also spelled as cathode, is a term primarily used in the field of physics and electrical engineering. The term refers to the electrode or terminal through which electric current flows out of a device or system. It is the opposite electrode to the anode, which represents the terminal where the current flows into the device. The concept of kathode is crucial in various electrical systems where the flow of electricity is essential.
In an electronic device or system like a battery, the kathode is the negative terminal, while the anode is the positive terminal. When a voltage is applied across the device, electric current is generated and flows from the kathode to the anode. This flow of current completes the circuit and enables the device to function.
Kathodes are widely used in devices such as diodes, electrolytic cells, vacuum tubes, and various forms of electronic displays, including cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and gas-discharge displays. These applications rely on the controlled flow of electrons from the kathode to the anode to perform various functions, such as producing light or converting electrical energy into chemical reactions.
In summary, a kathode is an electrode or terminal that serves as the point of exit for electric current in a device or system. It is typically associated with the negative terminal and is crucial for the operation of many electrical devices.
The word "kathode" comes from the Greek word "kathodos", which means "way down" or "descent". The term was used in ancient Greek to describe the path or journey downward from a higher point. In the context of electric currents, the word "kathode" was later adopted to refer to the negatively charged electrode or terminal where electrons flow into a particular device, such as a battery or an electron tube.