A negatively charged electrode on an electrotherapy applicator is called a(n):

A negatively charged electrode on an electrotherapy applicator is called a(n):

• A. Anode
• B. Cathode
• C. Anion
• D. Electrode

Answer: (B)

When thinking about electrotherapy, the term for the charged poles follows electrical polarity: the electrode that carries a positive charge is the anode, and the one with a negative charge is the cathode. Since the question specifies a negatively charged electrode, its name is cathode. An ion with a negative charge is called an anion, but that’s not the same as an electrode. An electrode is simply a conductor used in the circuit, not inherently tied to a negative or positive charge. Knowing which pad is the cathode helps predict the skin’s local reaction (the cathode tends to create a more alkaline environment, while the anode creates a more acidic one) and guides how you apply and monitor treatment.

When thinking about electrotherapy, the term for the charged poles follows electrical polarity: the electrode that carries a positive charge is the anode, and the one with a negative charge is the cathode. Since the question specifies a negatively charged electrode, its name is cathode. An ion with a negative charge is called an anion, but that’s not the same as an electrode. An electrode is simply a conductor used in the circuit, not inherently tied to a negative or positive charge. Knowing which pad is the cathode helps predict the skin’s local reaction (the cathode tends to create a more alkaline environment, while the anode creates a more acidic one) and guides how you apply and monitor treatment.