Question

You have connected the two electrodes of a cell, dipped in an electrolyte, with a folded paper soaked in KCl solution (salt bridge). What happens to the reaction when this salt bridge is removed?

• A. The reaction will occur at a faster rate.
• B. The reaction will occur at a slower rate.
• C. The reaction will stop.
• D. The reaction will continue with its normal rate.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

The reaction will stop.

The purpose of the salt bridge is to keep the solutions electrically neutral and allow the free flow of ions from one cell to another. Without the salt bridge, positive and negative ions will build up around the electrodes, stopping the flow of electric current causing the reaction to stop.