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What happens at the anode and cathode in a voltaic cell between copper (submerged in copper (II) sulfate) and iron (submerged in iron (II) sulfate)?

A) Oxidation at the anode, reduction at the cathode
B) Reduction at the anode, oxidation at the cathode
C) Both oxidation at the anode and cathode
D) Both reduction at the anode and cathode

User Rechlay
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the voltaic cell described, oxidation occurs at the anode where iron is converted to iron(II) ions, and reduction occurs at the cathode where copper(II) ions are converted to copper metal.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a voltaic cell between copper submerged in copper(II) sulfate and iron submerged in iron(II) sulfate, at the anode oxidation occurs and at the cathode reduction occurs.

The anode is where the loss of electrons takes place, which is an oxidation process. In this case, iron will act as the anode and will undergo oxidation, where iron metal (Fe) loses electrons to become iron(II) ions (Fe2+).

The cathode, on the other hand, is where the gain of electrons occurs, which is a reduction process. The copper(II) ions (Cu2+) gain electrons to form copper metal (Cu) at the cathode.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A) Oxidation at the anode, reduction at the cathode.

User TheSnooker
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