Question

Define a salt bridge. Question 6 options: A pathway between the cathode and anode in which ions are oxidized. A pathway by which counterions can flow between the half-cells without the solutions in the half-cell totally mixing. A pathway in which no ions flow. A pathway between the cathode and anode in which ions are reduced. A pathway, composed of salt water, that ions pass through.

Answer 1

A pathway by which counterions can flow between the half-cells without the solutions in the half-cell totally mixing.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a voltaic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.

Hence, there is a build up of positive ions at the anode and a build up of negative ions at the cathode. This tends to disrupt the electrical neutrality of the half cells.

Hence, there is a need for negative ions in the salt bridge to flow towards the anode and positive ions in the salt bridge to flow towards the cathode in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the cells.

Hence, a salt bridge provides a pathway by which counterions can flow between the half-cells without the solutions in the half-cell totally mixing.