Which electrode loses mass in a galvanic cell?
Table of Contents
Which electrode loses mass in a galvanic cell?
zinc electrode
The zinc electrode lost mass. This implies that solid Zn metal atoms become ions and move into the electrolyte solution: Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq)+2e−. Oxidation occurs at the zinc electrode.
Which electrode gains mass in a galvanic cell?
cathode
The electrode at which reduction occurs is called the cathode . The cathode gradually increases in mass because of the production of copper metal. The concentration of copper(II) ions in the half-cell solution decreases. The cathode is the positive electrode.
What happens when you use inert electrodes?
Inert electrodes won’t undergo any reactions as the name suggests. It acts as a conductor of electrons. An electrochemical cell needs two electrodes namely anode and cathode. At the anode oxidation takes place and at the cathode reduction takes place.
Can inert electrodes be used in a galvanic cell?
The magnesium electrode is an active electrode because it participates in the oxidation-reduction reaction. Inert electrodes, like the platinum electrode in [link], do not participate in the oxidation-reduction reaction and are present so that current can flow through the cell.
Do inert electrodes lose mass?
electrode that allows current to flow, but that does not otherwise participate in the oxidation-reduction reaction in an electrochemical cell; the mass of an inert electrode does not change during the oxidation-reduction reaction; inert electrodes are often made of platinum or gold because these metals are chemically …
What are inert electrodes?
Inert electrode is a metal that does not take part or interfere in any chemical reaction. But it is still used to conduct electricity by transferring electrons with the solution rather than exchanging ions with the solution. Therefore, it serves as an electron. Platinum is used as an inert electrode.
Which electrode will lose mass as the cell operates?
| Electrode | REDOX | Mass |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Site of oxidation: electrons are lost by the metal. The anode is a reducing agent because its behaviour will reduce ions at the cathode. | Mass decreases as the reacting anode material becomes aqueous. |
What is inert electrode in a cell?
The inert electrode is an electrode that serves only as a source or sinks for electrons. Precious metals, mercury, and carbon are typically used as inert electrodes. It provides a surface for oxidation or reduction reaction but not for the redox reaction. It does not participate in the cell reaction.
Why are inert electrodes used in electrolysis?
Usually, inert electrodes such as graphite or platinum are used for electrolysis. These electrodes do not interfere with the reactions occuring at the surface of the electrode, they simply act as a point of connection between the electrical circuit and the solution.
What is the difference between active and inert electrodes?
Active vs Inert Electrodes Active electrode is the electrode that actively takes part in the chemical reaction of the electrochemical cell. Inert electrode is an electrode that does not participate in the chemical reaction. Inert electrodes are used in electrolysis. Metal ions of the inert electrode are not dissolved.
Do inert electrodes gain mass?
Why are inert electrodes used in galvanic cell?
Inert electrodes, like the platinum electrode in Figure 3, do not participate in the oxidation-reduction reaction and are present so that current can flow through the cell. Platinum or gold generally make good inert electrodes because they are chemically unreactive.