Chemical Engineering Basics - Engineering

Q1:

The cathode in an electrochemical cell always carries

A negative charge.

B positive charge.

C zero charge.

D positive or negative charge depending upon the nature of the cell.

ANS:A - negative charge.

The cathode in an electrochemical cell always carries a negative charge. In an electrochemical cell, the cathode is where reduction occurs, meaning electrons are gained. Reduction is the process of gaining electrons or decreasing the oxidation state of an element. As a result, the cathode becomes negatively charged. Conversely, the anode in an electrochemical cell is where oxidation occurs, meaning electrons are lost. Oxidation is the process of losing electrons or increasing the oxidation state of an element. Consequently, the anode becomes positively charged. Therefore, the cathode always carries a negative charge in an electrochemical cell.