Final answer:
In an electrolytic cell, the anode is positively charged because it is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and it is the site of oxidation where electrons depart.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an electrolytic cell, the anode has a positive charge. This is in contrast to an electrochemical cell where the anode is typically negative. In an electrolytic cell, the anode is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, which drives the oxidation reaction, causing electrons to flow from the anode to the cathode. The cathode, in turn, gains electrons and is therefore negative. Hence, the flow of electrons is from the positive anode to the negative cathode.