Q21.74P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What is the direction of electron flow with respect to the anode and the cathode in a battery? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The direction of electron flow is from anode to cathode

What is a Battery?

When some voltaic cells are connected in series, it forms a battery. The voltaic cells are arranged in series so that the overall potential of the battery is the sum of the potential of the individual batteries.

Working of a battery

Since a battery is a collection of voltaic cell, the working principle of battery is similar to voltaic cell. Therefore a battery also has two electrodes- cathode and anode.

Oxidation occurs at anode. Thus the electrons liberated during oxidation flows through an external wire to the cathode where the electrons are accepted by the ion present in the solution to undergo reduction.

Thus in a battery, electrons flow from anode to cathode.