In a vacuum tube, the anode is typically what?

The anode in a vacuum tube is a metal plate that holds a positive charge. This configuration is crucial for the functioning of the vacuum tube, as the anode attracts electrons emitted by the cathode. When the cathode, which is a negatively charged electrode, heats up, it releases electrons into the vacuum. The positively charged anode then creates an electric field that accelerates these electrons toward itself, facilitating the flow of electric current through the tube.

This charge relationship allows vacuum tubes to function effectively as amplifiers or switches in electronic circuits, with the control of current flow being directly influenced by the voltage applied to the anode. Understanding the role of the anode as a positively charged element is vital for grasping the fundamental workings of vacuum tubes in electrical applications.