Which one of the following describes the polarity of the anodes in electrolytic and galvanic cells?
electrolytic cells galvanic cells
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 18
Which one of the following describes the polarity of the anodes in electrolytic and galvanic cells?
electrolytic cells galvanic cells
A. positive positive
B. pos... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of the following describes the polarity of the anodes in electrolytic and galvanic cells?
electrolytic cells galvanic cells
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 18 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. electrolytic cells - positive, galvanic cells - positive
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Answer
In this scenario, the anode in an electrolytic cell is indeed positive, as it is where oxidation occurs, and the anode in a galvanic cell is also positive since it is the site of reduction. This choice is incorrect.
Step 2
B. electrolytic cells - positive, galvanic cells - negative
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Answer
This option correctly identifies that in an electrolytic cell, the anode is positive. However, in a galvanic cell, the anode is negative, making this description partially correct, but not wholly accurate.
Step 3
C. electrolytic cells - negative, galvanic cells - negative
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Answer
This is incorrect because, in electrolytic cells, the anode is not negative. Both cells do not share the same polarity at their anodes, invalidating this option.
Step 4
D. electrolytic cells - negative, galvanic cells - positive
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This option is also incorrect, as it states the anode in an electrolytic cell is negative, which contradicts the basic principles of electrochemistry.
Step 5
Final Answer
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Answer
The correct answer is B: electrolytic cells have a positive anode and galvanic cells have a negative anode.
