Question

At which electrode (anode/cathode) do species gain electrons in a galvanic cell?

Short answer

Species gain electrons at the cathode in a galvanic cell, as it is where the reduction process occurs.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding a Galvanic Cell

A galvanic cell is an electrochemical device that transforms the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. It consists of two different metal electrodes (anode and cathode) connected by a wire and an electrolyte solution. The two electrodes are also connected via a salt bridge, which allows the movement of ions to maintain electrical neutrality in each half-cell.

Redox Reactions and Electron Transfer

In a galvanic cell, a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction occurs. During a redox reaction, one species loses electrons (oxidation) while another species gains electrons (reduction). The species that lose electrons are said to be oxidized, and the species that gain electrons are said to be reduced.

Role of Anode and Cathode in a Galvanic Cell

In a galvanic cell, each electrode serves a specific purpose related to the redox reaction. The anode is the electrode where the oxidation process occurs, meaning the species loses electrons and goes from a reduced form to an oxidized form. The cathode, on the other hand, is the electrode where the reduction process takes place, meaning the species gains electrons and goes from an oxidized form to a reduced form.

Answering the Given Question

According to the role of the electrodes in a galvanic cell, species gain electrons at the cathode as it is where the reduction process occurs.