How cathode is positively charged in voltaic cell?

Click For Summary
In a voltaic cell, the cathode is considered positively charged because it is the site of reduction where electrons flow into it from the anode. Although electrons originate from the anode, they are consumed in the reduction reaction at the cathode, leading to a net positive charge due to the loss of negatively charged electrons. The concept of electrical neutrality is maintained in the overall system, as ions in the electrolyte also contribute to charge balance. The discussion also touches on the importance of conventions in electrochemistry, particularly regarding oxidation and reduction potentials. Ultimately, the flow of current in electrochemical cells involves both electrons and ions, with the salt bridge facilitating ion movement to maintain circuit completion.
  • #61
Drakkith said:
I'm sorry but this is just wrong.
They don't. Electrons have a negative charge, protons have a positive charge, and neutrons are electrically neutral. You're replying to a bad answer.
The electrons that flow into the cathode are used in the chemical reaction between the cathode and the electrolyte. They are indeed 'lost' from the cathode in this reaction.

What I actually meant was that the electrons that reach at the electrode get consumed and the negative charge doesn't linger on . In totality , everything is neutral . The electrolytic cell in whole is neutral . The cathode is not charged but as you said , the action of loss of electron makes us call it positive electrode .
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #62
proton007007 said:
The cathode is not charged

It is. If it wasn't charged there would be no potential difference between cathode and anode.

Charge is typically pretty small, but it definitely is there.
 

Similar threads

Potential across a battery cell change ion concentrations and electron flow
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Question about battery -- Looking into the electrode effects on the battery
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Voltaic Cell behaviour as described in this video
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Clarification about the sign of EMF in batteries and electrochemistry
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Galvanic cell - open circuit voltage and EMF
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Potassium Chloride Electrolysis
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Question about the Li -> Li+ + e- half cell reaction in a LiB battery
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
MHB Cathode & Anode: Explaining the Difference
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Understanding Galvanic Cells: Zinc and Copper Electrodes Explained"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Daniell cell initial equilibrium
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K