Question

3.(c) An electrochemical cell is constructed with copper and silver electrodes.
(i) State which of the electrodes will be the: (I) anode; (II) cathode.
(ii) Give the reason for your answer in 3(c)(i).
(iii) State the type of reaction occurring at each electrode.
(iv) Write a balanced equation for the overall cell reaction.

Accepted Answer

(i) Copper is the anode; silver is the cathode.
(ii) This is because copper is higher than silver in the electrochemical series (more reactive/more readily oxidised).
(iii) Oxidation always occurs at the anode; reduction always occurs at the cathode.
(iv) Cu(s) + 2Ag⁺(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2Ag(s).

WAEC Chemistry 2018 Theory — Question 17

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