Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct for a galvanic cell ?

• A. Oxidation occurs at anode
• B. Reduction occurs at cathode
• C. The electrode at which electrons are released is called cathode
• D. The electrode at which electrons are consumed is called cathode.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The electrode at which electrons are consumed is called cathode.

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 a electrochemical cell, the process of oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously within the system. The metal strip in the cell is known as electrode.
Based on the tendency to oxidise and reduce, electrode is classified as cathode and anode.
Anode is a metal rod where oxidation reaction is takes place.
Cathode is a metal rod where reduction reaction is takes place.
Eg: Daniel cell (Galvanic cell)

At anode: $Zn\text{rod in}ZnS{O}_4\text{solution}$
At cathode: $Cu\text{rod in}CuS{O}_4\text{solution}$
$Zn\left(s\right)\to Z{n}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}\left(\text{at anode}\right)$
$C{u}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}\to Cu\left(s\right)\left(\text{at cathode}\right)$
Hence, statement (a), (b) and (c) are correct.