Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false: (a) The anode is the electrode at which oxidation takes place. (b) A voltaic cell always has a positive emf. (c) A salt bridge or permeable barrier is necessary to allow a voltaic cell to operate.

Short answer

(a) True: The anode is the electrode at which oxidation takes place, where an atom or ion loses electrons. (b) True: A voltaic cell always has a positive emf, as it drives the spontaneous redox reaction. (c) True: A salt bridge or permeable barrier is necessary for a voltaic cell to operate, as it allows the flow of ions between the two half-cells, maintaining electrical neutrality.

Step-by-step solution

(Statement a: The anode is the electrode at which oxidation takes place.)

In a voltaic cell (also known as a galvanic cell), there are two electrodes (anode and cathode) submerged in appropriate electrolyte solutions, which are connected via a salt bridge or another device that allows ions to flow. At the anode, oxidation takes place. Oxidation is the process where an atom or ion loses electrons. This is true by definition, so the statement is true.

(Statement b: A voltaic cell always has a positive emf.)

The electromotive force (emf) of a voltaic cell represents the maximum possible voltage the cell can deliver. For a voltaic cell to work spontaneously, the overall cell reaction must be a redox reaction with a positive Gibbs free energy, meaning the reaction is thermodynamically favorable. By definition, a voltaic cell produces a positive emf, which drives the spontaneous redox reaction. Therefore, this statement is also true.

(Statement c: A salt bridge or permeable barrier is necessary to allow a voltaic cell to operate.)

A salt bridge or permeable barrier is an essential component of a voltaic cell, as it allows the flow of ions between the two half-cells, maintaining electrical neutrality. Without a salt bridge or permeable barrier, the buildup of positive and negative charges would cause the cell reactions to eventually stop. Thus, this statement is true as well.