What is the term used for the negative electrode in an electrical circuit?

In an electrical circuit, the term for the negative electrode is the cathode. This is the electrode where reduction, or the gain of electrons, occurs during electrochemical reactions. In the context of an electrofishing setup, understanding the roles of electrodes is crucial, as the cathode is typically involved in attracting positively charged particles or ions due to its negative charge.

The cathode is contrasted with the anode, which acts as the positive electrode where oxidation occurs, meaning it involves the loss of electrons. Ground refers to a common return path for electric current but does not specifically denote an electrode. An emitter is more related to devices that emit charged particles or radiation and does not apply to the basic anatomy of an electrical circuit in this context. Understanding the function of the cathode is essential in practical applications such as electrofishing, where the configuration of electrodes plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness and safety of the operation.