Question

In the battery, or voltaic cell, electrons are transferred from one electrode to the other. What is the electrode that gains electrons?

Answer 1

The electrode that gains electrons in a galvanic cell is called cathode.

Explanation:

In a galvanic cell, the direction of the electrons flow is from the anode to the cathode.

Thus, the electrode that gains electrons is called cathode.

Remember, oxidation occurs at the anode and electrons are produced during oxidation, as per the following half equation:

`"Oxidation: "X->X^(+)+1e^(-)`

The reduction occurs at the cathode, and electrons are consumed during reduction reactions, as per the following half equation:

`"Reduction: "Y+1e^(-)->Y^(-)`

Here is a full lesson about galvanic cell:
Electrochemistry | The Galvanic Cell.