Many reactions occurring in plant and animal cells involve a chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 17
Many reactions occurring in plant and animal cells involve a chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+. One such reaction is
$2 NADH_{(aq)} + 2 H^+_{... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many reactions occurring in plant and animal cells involve a chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. undergo oxidation at the anode.
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Answer
In a fuel cell, the anode is where oxidation occurs. Since NADH donates electrons during the reaction, it loses electrons and undergoes oxidation. Thus, NADH would indeed undergo oxidation at the anode.
Step 2
B. undergo reduction at the cathode.
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Answer
This option is incorrect because reduction occurs at the cathode. NADH does not gain electrons at this point; rather, it is oxidized at the anode.
Step 3
C. undergo reduction at the anode.
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Answer
This statement is false since reduction does not happen at the anode. The anode is specifically where oxidation of NADH takes place.
Step 4
D. undergo oxidation at the cathode.
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Answer
Again, this statement is incorrect. The cathode is the site for reduction reactions; therefore, NADH cannot undergo oxidation there.