In a galvanic cell, the anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs and electrons are released. It is the electrode where the metal atoms are converted into metal ions by losing electrons. The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs and electrons are gained. It is the electrode where metal ions are converted back into metal atoms by gaining electrons.
One way to identify the anode and cathode in a galvanic cell is to look at the direction of electron flow. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode, so the anode is always where electrons are released and oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where electrons are gained and reduction occurs.
Another way to identify the anode and cathode is by the reduction potentials of the half-reactions involved. The half-reaction with the more positive reduction potential will occur at the cathode, while the half-reaction with the less positive reduction potential will occur at the anode.
Overall, the anode is the negative terminal of the galvanic cell, while the cathode is the positive terminal.
How do we identify anode and cathode in galvanic cell
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