How do you distinguish between an anode and a cathode in an electrochemical cell?

How do you distinguish between an anode and a cathode in an electrochemical cell?

• A. The anode is where oxidation occurs and electrons are produced.
• B. The cathode is where oxidation occurs and electrons are produced.
• C. The anode is where reduction occurs and electrons are produced.
• D. The cathode is where oxidation occurs and electrons are produced.

Answer: (A)

In any electrochemical cell, oxidation happens at the anode and reduction happens at the cathode. The electrons produced during oxidation flow through the external circuit to the cathode, where they are consumed during reduction. That makes the statement that the anode is the site of oxidation and where electrons are produced the best description. The cathode, in contrast, is where reduction occurs and electrons are taken up. The other statements misstate where oxidation or reduction occurs, or where electrons are produced or used.

In any electrochemical cell, oxidation happens at the anode and reduction happens at the cathode. The electrons produced during oxidation flow through the external circuit to the cathode, where they are consumed during reduction. That makes the statement that the anode is the site of oxidation and where electrons are produced the best description. The cathode, in contrast, is where reduction occurs and electrons are taken up. The other statements misstate where oxidation or reduction occurs, or where electrons are produced or used.