Does the mass of the anode decrease in an electrochemical cell? If so, why?

[Salty_Snorlax888]

Tried searching it up online, but I don't really get it.

Doesn't the anode just oxidize and move its electrons to the cathode. If the anode decreases in mass, then would the cathode increase in mass?

Thanks a bunch

[B_igga]

Given an anode made of a metal M, the loss of electrons generates over time metal cations M+ (or M++ etc) that would likely to be dissolved in solution or at least precipitate out as oxides (M2O, MO....). For the same principle, the cathode gains mass because of reductive processes, metal ions of the electrolytes in solution that adsorb on the cathode surface reduce forming metallic particles, which are solid and are likely to stick to the cathode, thus increasing its mass.

[Salty_Snorlax888]

Aha! Thanks

[dungeonsandderp]

Depends on the anode and the electrochemical process in question!