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which of the following statements about galvanic cells are true? select all that apply. the anode is negatively charged. oxidation happens at the cathode and reduction happens at the anode. cations from the salt bridge flow into the oxidation half-cell. electrons flow from the anode to the cathode.

User Hanzolo
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

In a galvanic cell, the anode is negatively charged due to oxidation, and the cathode is positively charged due to reduction, with electrons flowing from the anode to the cathode. Cations from the salt bridge flow into the cathode half-cell to maintain charge balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a galvanic cell, the anode is where oxidation occurs, and it is negatively charged because electrons are produced here and flow through the external circuit to the cathode, which is positively charged. At the cathode, reduction takes place. The salt bridge allows ions to flow to balance the charge that changes due to the movement of electrons; specifically, cations from the salt bridge flow into the cathode half-cell, and anions flow into the anode half-cell to maintain electrical neutrality.

For example, in a galvanic cell using copper and silver:

  • Oxidation half-reaction at the anode (copper electrode): Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e−
  • Reduction half-reaction at the cathode (silver electrode): Ag+(aq) + e− → Ag(s)

The anode is the copper electrode, negative, and the cathode is the silver electrode, positive.

User Delton
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5 votes

Final answer:

In a galvanic cell, the anode is negatively charged, and electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. Oxidation occurs at the anode while reduction occurs at the cathode. Cations from the salt bridge flow into the cathode half-cell to maintain charge balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a galvanic cell, several key processes and properties determine the cell's operation:

  • The anode is negatively charged because oxidation occurs here, and electrons flow from the anode to the cathode.
  • Oxidation happens at the anode and reduction happens at the cathode.
  • Cations from the salt bridge flow into the cathode half-cell to maintain charge balance.
  • Yes, electrons do indeed flow from the anode to the cathode.

To answer the student's question directly, the true statements are:

  1. The anode is negatively charged.
  2. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode.


Wrong statements include:

  • Oxidation happens at the cathode and reduction happens at the anode - this is false, as oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
  • Cations from the salt bridge flow into the oxidation half-cell - this is incorrect since cations flow into the cathode half-cell.

User Goows
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