Problem 27 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false: (a) The cathode is the electrode at which oxidation takes place. (b) A galvanic cell is another name for a voltaic cell. (c) Electrons flow spontaneously from anode to cathode in a voltaic cell.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) False, as cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs, not oxidation. (b) True, since galvanic cells and voltaic cells are the same and the terms can be used interchangeably. (c) True, as electrons flow spontaneously from the anode to the cathode in a voltaic cell due to the redox reaction.

Step 1: Understanding Cathode and Oxidation

In electrochemical cells, cathode is the electrode where reduction takes place, and anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. Now let's analyze the statement: (a) The cathode is the electrode at which oxidation takes place.

Step 2: Verifying Statement (a)

Since we know that the cathode is where reduction occurs and not oxidation, the statement is false. #Statement b#

Step 3: Understanding Galvanic Cells and Voltaic Cells

Galvanic cells and voltaic cells are names for the same type of electrochemical cell. These cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions. The terms are used interchangeably. Now let's analyze the statement: (b) A galvanic cell is another name for a voltaic cell.

Step 4: Verifying Statement (b)

Since galvanic cells and voltaic cells are the same and can be used interchangeably, the statement is true. #Statement c#

Step 5: Understanding Electron Flow in Voltaic Cells

In a voltaic cell, the anode is where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction occurs. During the redox reaction, electrons are released at the anode (oxidation) and flow to the cathode (reduction) through an external circuit, generating an electric current. Now let's analyze the statement: (c) Electrons flow spontaneously from anode to cathode in a voltaic cell.

Step 6: Verifying Statement (c)

Since electrons do flow spontaneously from the anode to the cathode in a voltaic cell due to the redox reaction, the statement is true.