Question

Two half-cells have potentials -0.44 and 0.799 volt respectively. These two are coupled to make a galvanic cell. Which of the following will be true?
a.) Electrode of half-cell potential -0.44 v will acts as anode
b.) Electrode of half-cell potential -0.44 v will acts as cathode
c.) Electrode of half-cell potential 0.799 v will acts as anode
d.) Electrode of half-cell potential -0.44 v will act as a positive terminal.

Answer 1

Hint: In a galvanic cell the cathode is the positive electrode where reduction (gain of electrons) takes place and anode is the negative electrode where oxidation occurs (loss of electrons) takes place.

Complete step by step answer:
In the question it is given that the potentials of the two half-cells are -0.44 v and 0.799 v.
The electrode which has negative potential is -0.44 v.
The electrode which has positive potential is 0.799 v.
According to galvanic series the electrode which has negative potential and which is connected to positive potential electrode acts as an anode.
The electrode which has positive potential acts as a cathode.
Means the electrode which has a potential value of -0.44 v (means negative potential) acts as an anode.
The electrode which has positive potential (0.799 V) acts as a cathode.
Therefore the electrode with negative potential acts as anode and the electrode which has positive potential acts as cathode.
So, the correct option is A, Electrode of half-cell potential -0.44 v will act as anode.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:Don’t be confused with the words positive potential and negative potential electrodes.
Positive potential electrode- it will accept the electrons very easily.
Negative potential electrode-it will donate the electrons very easily in galvanic cells.