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.