What is produced at the cathode in a galvanic cell?

What is produced at the cathode in a galvanic cell?

• A. Protons
• B. Electrons
• C. Neutral atoms or molecules
• D. Ions

Answer: (C)

In a galvanic cell, reduction occurs at the cathode, which means that species gains electrons. Resulting from this reduction process, neutral atoms or molecules are typically produced. This happens because the species present in the electrolyte, which may have been ionized prior to the reaction, accepts electrons, leading to their transformation into neutral forms. For example, in a common galvanic cell involving zinc and copper, copper ions in solution gain electrons at the cathode, forming neutral copper metal that gets deposited. The other options don't correctly represent what takes place at the cathode. Protons and ions do not gain electrons to form neutral species at the cathode, and while electrons are involved in the reduction reaction, they are not produced at the cathode; instead, the cathode is the site of electron acceptance. This highlights the unique role of the cathode in galvanic cells, focusing on the production of neutral atoms or molecules as a result of reduction.

In a galvanic cell, reduction occurs at the cathode, which means that species gains electrons. Resulting from this reduction process, neutral atoms or molecules are typically produced. This happens because the species present in the electrolyte, which may have been ionized prior to the reaction, accepts electrons, leading to their transformation into neutral forms. For example, in a common galvanic cell involving zinc and copper, copper ions in solution gain electrons at the cathode, forming neutral copper metal that gets deposited.

The other options don't correctly represent what takes place at the cathode. Protons and ions do not gain electrons to form neutral species at the cathode, and while electrons are involved in the reduction reaction, they are not produced at the cathode; instead, the cathode is the site of electron acceptance. This highlights the unique role of the cathode in galvanic cells, focusing on the production of neutral atoms or molecules as a result of reduction.