MCAT General Chemistry Question 297: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 297

4. Which of the following best describes the cell used in the experiment?

  • A. Beaker X contains the cathode that is negatively charged.
  • B. Beaker Y contains the cathode that is negatively charged.
  • C. Beaker X contains the anode that is negatively charged.
  • D. Beaker Y contains the anode that is negatively charged.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C Electrons always travel from anode to cathode. Loss of electrons, or oxidation, always occurs at the anode and gain of electrons, or reduction, always occurs at the cathode. A concentration cell is spontaneous, so electrons will spontaneously flow to a positive charge. Therefore, the cathode must be positively charged, eliminating choices A and B. Since [Cu2+] will increase in X and decrease in Y, X is the site of oxidation, or anode.

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