Which reaction occurs at the cathode in an electrochemical cell?A.Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-B.Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s)C.Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + H2(g)D.Cu2+(aq) + H2(g) Cu(s) + 2H+(aq)
Question
Which reaction occurs at the cathode in an electrochemical cell?A.Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-B.Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s)C.Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + H2(g)D.Cu2+(aq) + H2(g) Cu(s) + 2H+(aq)
Solution
In an electrochemical cell, the cathode is the site of reduction. Reduction is the gain of electrons. Therefore, the reaction that occurs at the cathode is the one where the species gains electrons.
Looking at the options:
A. Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- : This is an oxidation reaction (loss of electrons)
B. Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s) : This is a reduction reaction (gain of electrons)
C. Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + H2(g) : This is an oxidation reaction (loss of electrons)
D. Cu2+(aq) + H2(g) Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) : This is a reduction reaction (gain of electrons), but it's not correct because hydrogen gas cannot directly donate electrons to copper ions.
So, the correct answer is B. Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s). This reaction represents the reduction of Cu2+ ions to Cu(s) at the cathode.
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