Chemistry · Electrochemistry
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In an electrolytic cell, the current passes through a solution, the anode is
- A
A positive electrode where oxidation occurs
- B
A positive electrode where reduction occurs
- C
A negative electrode where oxidation occurs
- D
A negative electrode where reduction occurs
In an electrolytic cell, the anode is defined as the positive electrode where oxidation takes place. This means that electrons are released from the anode into the external circuit, making it the source of electrons for the reduction process that occurs at the cathode. The other options incorrectly describe the roles and charges of the electrodes: the cathode is the negative electrode where reduction occurs, while the anode is always the positive electrode where oxidation occurs.
This is the correct answer. In an electrolytic cell, the anode is indeed the positive electrode where oxidation takes place, releasing electrons into the external circuit.
This option is incorrect. A positive electrode does not facilitate reduction in an electrolytic cell; reduction occurs at the cathode, which is the negative electrode.
This option is incorrect. The anode is not a negative electrode; it is positive in an electrolytic cell, and oxidation occurs specifically at this site.
This option is incorrect. While reduction occurs at the negative electrode (cathode), it does not describe the anode, which is the positive electrode where oxidation occurs.
Tagged under Chemistry · Electrochemistry