Final answer:
In a galvanic cell, the anode is used for oxidation and is the negative electrode, while the cathode is used for reduction and is the positive electrode.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a galvanic cell, the electrode used on the area to be treated is typically either the cathode or the anode, depending on the specific treatment or the desired reaction. For educational purposes, we can consider the behavior of a standard galvanic cell such as a copper-zinc cell. The half-reactions that occur at each electrode can be written as follows:
- Oxidation at Anode: Zn(s) → Zn²+(aq) + 2e⁻
- Reduction at Cathode: Cu²+(aq) + 2e⁻ → Cu(s)
In this example, zinc is the anode, and copper is the cathode. The anode, where oxidation occurs, is the negative electrode, while the cathode, where reduction occurs, is the positive electrode. This is because in a galvanic cell, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. The answer to the initial student's question is therefore c) Anode, for the area that is to be oxidized, or b) Cathode, for the area that is to undergo reduction.