Final answer:
In a galvanic cell, the oxidation half-reaction occurs at the anode, which is the negative electrode, while the reduction half-reaction occurs at the cathode, the positive electrode. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The half-reaction in which electrons appear as products is known as the oxidation half-reaction. During this reaction, a substance loses electrons, and this process occurs at the anode of an electrochemical cell. In a galvanic cell, the anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs and is considered the negative electrode because it donates electrons to the external circuit.
Conversely, the cathode is where the reduction half-reaction takes place, meaning a substance gains electrons, and this electrode is the positive electrode.
For a given galvanic cell:
- (a) The oxidation half-reaction and the reduction half-reaction should be written for each electrode.
- (b) The anode is the electrode at which oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction occurs.
- (c) The anode is indicated as the negative electrode and the cathode as the positive electrode based on the direction of electron flow.