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Chapter 10: Problem 71

How can the words cation and anion help you remember if \(+\) or \(-\) is associated with the cathode and anode of a battery?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The words 'cation' and 'anion' can help you remember the association of charges with the cathode and anode of a battery as follows: Cations, which have a positive charge, are attracted to the negatively charged cathode, while anions, which have a negative charge, are attracted to the positively charged anode. Thus, the cathode is associated with a \(-\) charge, and the anode is associated with a \(+\) charge.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Meaning of Cations and Anions

In chemistry, cations are positively charged ions (having more protons than electrons), while anions are negatively charged ions (having more electrons than protons). The key to remembering their charges lies in their names: cat-ions have a \(+\) (positive) charge, and an-ions have a \(-\) (negative) charge.
02

Recognize the Role of Cathode and Anode in a Battery

In a battery or an electrochemical cell, the cathode is the electrode where reduction takes place, while the anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs. During discharge, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode, as the anode loses electrons (being oxidized), while the cathode gains electrons (being reduced).
03

Relate Cations, Anions, Cathodes, and Anodes

In an electrochemical cell: - Cations (\(+\) charged ions) move towards the cathode because they are attracted to the negative charge at the cathode. - Anions (\(-\) charged ions) move towards the anode because they are attracted to the positive charge at the anode. Now, we can use the words cation and anion to help remember which charge is associated with cathode and anode: - Cations are positive and move towards the cathode, so the cathode is associated with a \(-\) charge (as opposite charges attract). - Anions are negative and move towards the anode, so the anode is associated with a \(+\) charge (as opposite charges attract).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How is electricity mechanically produced in a power plant?

The spontaneous redox reaction \(\mathrm{Mn}+\mathrm{Cd}^{2+} \rightarrow \mathrm{Mn}^{2+}+\mathrm{Cd}\) takes place in a battery. (a) What is the oxidizing agent? (b) What is the reducing agent? (c) Which metal is the cathode? (d) Which metal is the anode?

Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent in the reaction \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}+4 \mathrm{Zn}+7 \mathrm{OH}^{-}+6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow\) \(4 \mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{OH})_{4}{ }^{2-}+\mathrm{NH}_{3}\)

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Suppose the shortcut rules can determine the oxidation state of every atom in a compound except one. How can you find the oxidation state of the remaining atom?
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