During the chemical reaction in an electrochemical cell,
the anode is where oxidation happens.
oxidation takes place alone, without an accompanying reduction.
oxidation happens in the salt bridge, and electrons travel from the cathode to the anode.
a substance is oxidized and gains electrons.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
“The anode is where oxidation happens.”
Explanation:
In an electrochemical cell, a redox reaction occurs, involving oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons). These reactions take place at two different electrodes: the anode and the cathode.
- Oxidation at the Anode:
- Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons.
- The anode is where oxidation happens, meaning the substance at the anode loses electrons.
- These electrons travel through the external circuit toward the cathode.
- Reduction at the Cathode:
- Reduction refers to the gain of electrons.
- The cathode is where the electrons arriving from the anode are accepted by another species, causing it to be reduced.
- Salt Bridge’s Role:
- The salt bridge does not participate in oxidation or reduction.
- It maintains charge balance by allowing ions to move between the two half-cells.
Why the Other Choices Are Incorrect:
- “Oxidation takes place alone, without an accompanying reduction.”
- False. Oxidation and reduction always occur together because the lost electrons must be gained by another species.
- “Oxidation happens in the salt bridge, and electrons travel from the cathode to the anode.”
- False. Oxidation happens at the anode, not in the salt bridge. Also, electrons move from the anode to the cathode in an electrochemical cell.
- “A substance is oxidized and gains electrons.”
- False. A substance undergoing oxidation loses electrons, not gains them.
Thus, the anode is where oxidation happens, making it the correct answer.