from KBB p.432, "anions are atrracted to the anode..."
i don't understand this becuase the anode produces anions so cations are attracted to the anode... am I wrong?
First of all, we're dealing with an electrolytic cell in the process of electrophoresis, NOT an electrochemical (galvanic) cell.
Recall that the D/C current does work by moving the electrons from the anode to the cathode. Thus, the cathode obtains a negative charge and the anode obtains a positive charge.
This generates an electric field where anions are attracted to the cathode and cations are attracted to the anode. Reduction and oxidation, at the cathode and anode respectively, completes the circuit.
In the case of electrophoresis, we're dealing with the electrolysis of water...
At the anode, water is oxidized to release oxygen gas and hydronium
At the cathode, water is reduced to generate hydrogen gas and hydroxide
For a complete breakdown including the balance of charges look up the electrolysis of water in your textbook......
