Question

A galvanic (voltaic) cell has the generic metals X and Y as electrodes. X is more reactive than Y, that is, X more readily reacts to form a cation than Y does. Classify the descriptions by whether they apply to the X or Y electrode.

a. Anode
b. Cathode
c. Loses mass
d. Electrons in the wire flow away from it
e. Anions from the salt bridge flow toward it
f. Cations from the salt bridge flow toward it
g. Gains mass
f. Electrons in the wire flow toward it

Answer 1

X

Anode

Loses mass

Electrons in the wire flow away from it

Anions from the salt bridge flow toward it

Y

Cathode

Gains mass

Electrons in the wire flow toward it

Cations from the salt bridge flow toward it

Step-by-step explanation:

A galvanic cell consists of an anode, a cathode and a salt bridge. The cathode is the negative electrode. The cathode increases in mass due to mass deposition. The cathode becomes increasingly negative as the cell reaction progresses, hence cations from the salt bridge flow towards it.

The anode is the positive electrode. It becomes more positive as the cell reaction progresses hence anions from the salt bridge flow towards it. The anode is the electrode where oxidation reaction occurs hence electrons are lost here and flow towards the cathode. The anode looses mass as the cell reaction progresses due to oxidation.