High School Chemistry : Electrochemistry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Help With Anodes And Cathodes

Which of the following species is being produced at the anode?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Remember: AN OX and RED CAT (the ANode is the site of OXidation, and REDuction takes place at the CAThode). Also remember OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss of electrons and Reduction Is Gain of electrons). The question asks us which species is produced at the anode (site of oxidation). Also, remember that electrons always flow from anode to cathode.

No knowledge about whether the cell is galvanic or electrolytic is needed, because the question assumes that the chemical reaction takes places.

 is being produced at the cathode because electrons transfer from the anode to the cathode. In this reaction,  are gaining electrons to form , and the gaining of electrons only happens at the cathode. Therefore,  is produced at the cathode. On the other hand,  loses electrons to produce  in the reaction, and the losing of the electrons only occur at the anode. Therefore,  is produced at the anode.

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