Which statement describes the electrode processes in a voltaic cell?

Which statement describes the electrode processes in a voltaic cell?

• A. Anode Reduction; Cathode Oxidation
• B. Anode Oxidation; Cathode Reduction
• C. Both Oxidation
• D. Both Reduction

Answer: (B)

In a voltaic cell, electrons flow from the electrode that is oxidized to the electrode that is reduced. The electrode where oxidation occurs is the anode; electrons are produced there and move through the external circuit. The electrode where reduction occurs is the cathode; electrons arrive there and are used to reduce species in solution. So the description that the anode undergoes oxidation and the cathode undergoes reduction matches what happens in a galvanic cell. Describing both electrodes as undergoing oxidation or both as undergoing reduction would violate the need for electron transfer between electrodes. Oxidation must happen at one electrode to supply electrons, and reduction must happen at the other to accept those electrons.

In a voltaic cell, electrons flow from the electrode that is oxidized to the electrode that is reduced. The electrode where oxidation occurs is the anode; electrons are produced there and move through the external circuit. The electrode where reduction occurs is the cathode; electrons arrive there and are used to reduce species in solution. So the description that the anode undergoes oxidation and the cathode undergoes reduction matches what happens in a galvanic cell.

Describing both electrodes as undergoing oxidation or both as undergoing reduction would violate the need for electron transfer between electrodes. Oxidation must happen at one electrode to supply electrons, and reduction must happen at the other to accept those electrons.