Which one of the following statements is true for both galvanic cells and electrolytic cells?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 19 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 19
Which one of the following statements is true for both galvanic cells and electrolytic cells?
A. Reduction occurs at the negative electrode in both cells.
B. Reduc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of the following statements is true for both galvanic cells and electrolytic cells?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 19 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
B. Reduction occurs at the cathode in both cells.
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Answer
In both galvanic and electrolytic cells, reduction takes place at the cathode. In a galvanic cell, the cathode is defined as the electrode where reduction occurs due to the spontaneous reaction that generates electric current. Conversely, in an electrolytic cell, which requires an external power source, the cathode remains the site of reduction where cations gain electrons.
Thus, among the given options, statement B correctly reflects the behavior of both types of cells.