Question

In an electrochemical cell, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. How would you classify the anode and cathode in terms of oxidizing and reducing agents?

1) The oxidizing agent is at the anode; the reducing agent is at the cathode.
2) The oxidizing agent is at the cathode; the reducing agent is at the anode.

Answer 1

The anode is the site of oxidation and acts as the oxidizing agent, while the cathode is the site of reduction and acts as the reducing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell. In terms of oxidizing and reducing agents, the anode is the site of oxidation and therefore acts as the oxidizing agent. The cathode is the site of reduction and therefore acts as the reducing agent. Therefore, option 1) The oxidizing agent is at the anode; the reducing agent is at the cathode is correct.