Question

Using the pull-down menu, determine whether each statement describes an anode or a cathode in an electrolytic cell:

a. Site of reduction reactions
b. Site of oxidation reactions

Answer 1

In an electrolytic cell, the cathode is the site of reduction reactions, and the anode is the site of oxidation reactions. The anode is where the loss of electrons occurs, and the cathode is where electrons are gained.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an electrolytic cell, the site of reduction is the cathode. Reduction can be remembered as a gain of electrons (reducing the charge of the ion). The anode, on the other hand, is the site of oxidation, meaning it is where the loss of electrons occurs (increasing the charge of the ion).

The steps to identify the anode and cathode in an electrolytic cell are as follows:

1. Identify the oxidation half-reaction and the reduction half-reaction.
2. Determine the electrode where each half-reaction takes place: the anode is where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction occurs.
3. Based on the electron flow, assign each electrode as either positive or negative.

In summary, the anode is where oxidation takes place, and the cathode is where reduction happens. During electrolysis, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode.