Chemistry · Electrochemical cells: Electrolytic and Galvanic cells, different types of electrodes, electrode potentials including standard electrode potential, half-cell and cell reactions

Identify the true statement regarding Daniel cell:

Identify the true statement regarding Daniel cell:

  • A. zinc ions flows across salt bridge
  • B. \( K^{+} \) ions move from salt bridge to \( C u / C u^{+2} \) half cell
  • C. Oxidation takes place at copper electrode
  • D. Flow of current takes place from copper electrode to zinc electrode

Step-by-step solution

In a Daniell cell, the copper half-cell is the cathode where Cu²⁺ ions are reduced to Cu, consuming positive charge. To maintain electrical neutrality, K⁺ cations from the salt bridge migrate into the copper half-cell, balancing the charge. Option A is false because zinc ions do not flow across the salt bridge; typically, K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions move. Option C is false because oxidation occurs at the zinc electrode, not copper. Option D is ambiguous: conventional current flows from copper to zinc externally, but the term 'current' may be interpreted as electron flow in some contexts. Thus, B is clearly correct.
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