Question

In a source of electricity such as simple voltaic cell, the source of lower potential is always
A. Electrode made of zinc
B. Cathode
C. Anode
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: Recall the basics of the electrochemistry. From all the cells used in electrochemistry to produce the electricity, recall the basics of the simple voltaic cell. Explain two types of electrodes used in the simple voltaic cell and materials of which these electrodes should be composed. Then state which electrode is the source of lower potential and what are the materials from which this electrode is made of.

Complete answer:
We have been asked to give information about the source of lower potential in a source of electricity such as voltaic cells.We know that there is generation of electricity when the electrons flow through the conductor.A voltaic cell is used as a source of electricity as it uses the chemical energy from the chemical reaction between the chemicals to produce electrical energy.

There are two electrodes in a simple voltaic cell which are anode and cathode. The electrode which is positively charged is called anode and the electrode which is negatively charged is called cathode.At the anode in the simple voltaic cell, the oxidation reaction takes place and at the cathode the reduction reaction takes place.

Hence, for the oxidation reaction to take place at the anode, the anode should be made of the element which can undergo oxidation and for reduction reaction to take place at the cathode, the cathode should be made of the element which can undergo reduction reaction.The source of lower potential in a simple voltaic cell is cathode and this cathode can be made up of zinc.

Hence, the correct option is D.

Note: The students may get confused that in a simple voltaic cell, the cathode is made up of silver then why we have given that the cathode is made up of zinc. But the students should keep in mind that the cathodes is a simple voltaic cell made up of silver as well as zinc. In the options, zinc is mentioned. So, we have given the use of only zinc in the solution.