Voltaic Cell Confusion

[TexasDent]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This is a question to help understand voltaic cells with respect to car batteries, which are voltaic cells.

The (-) anode end of the voltaic cell is the end that is oxidized and gives off electrons to the (+) cathode end which is reduced and absorbs electrons.

So why is the (+) end of a car battery the charged, dangerous end and the (-) end the ground, non dangerous end? This seems opposite of what a voltaic cell is...

Do they just reverse the traditional voltaic (-) and (+) ends on car batteries or what??

Can somebody help me understand why this is?

 

[TexasDent]

Is nobody else confused about this??

 

[dleodyddlek]

I am really confused about this whole cell thingy now. I was trying to figure out in many different ways and now I got myself even more confused.

I'm guessing it is true that electrons flow from anode to cathodes but what we usually call current is positive force that flows from + end to - end. Maybe that's why? Help

 

[TarheelKid24]

correct...electrons flow from anode to cathode but what we call current flows in the opposite direction of the electrons (even though current can be thought of as the flow of electrons)...the only reason it flows in the opposite direction is because of convention...

btw, this is physics so there is a slight chance that I am not remembering this correctly...plus, I don't even know if this answers the OP's question?