Question

In a galvanic cell, the electrons flow from

• A. Anode to the cathode through the solution
• B. Cathode to the anode through the solution
• C. Anode to the cathode through the external circuit
• D. Cathode to the anode through the external circuit

Answer 1

The correct option is C Anode to the cathode through the external circuit

Galvanic cell is also known as Voltaic cell. It converts the chemical energy liberated during the reaction to electrical energy. The chemical reaction will be a spontaneous reaction.
In galvanic cell, the process of oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously within the system. The metal strip in the cell is known as electrode.
The reactive metals which have tendency to go into the solution phase, when in contact with their ions or their salt solution will act as anode.
The reactive metals when in contact with their aqueous solution, the ions in the solution have tendency to get deposited on the metal rod will act as cathode.

At equilibrium,
Accumulation of sufficient negative charge on the anode and accumulation of sufficient positive charge on the rod.

Eg: Daniel cell (Galvanic cell)

At anode: $Zn\text{rod in}ZnS{O}_4\text{solution}$
At cathode: $Cu\text{rod in}CuS{O}_4\text{solution}$

$Zn\left(s\right)\to Z{n}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}\left(\text{at anode}\right)$
$C{u}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}\to Cu\left(s\right)\left(\text{at cathode}\right)$

The two electrodes are connected externally by a metallic wire through a voltmeter and a switch and electron flow from anode to cathode through this external circuit.