Question

Explain the relationship between oxidation-reduction and voltaic cells. Your answer must include equations.

Answer 1

In oxidation, substance loses an electrons so oxidation number increases.

Consider an example of oxidation half cell reaction

X X⁺ + e ^-

In the above reaction, X is loses one electron and oxidation number of X is increasing from 0 to 1. So this reaction is known as oxidation or oxidised or reducing agent.

In reduction, substance gains an elextrons so oxidation number decreases.

Consider an example of reduction half cell reaction

Y +e^- Y^-

In the above reaction, Y gains one electron and oxidation number of Y is decreasing from 0 to -1. So this reaction is known as reduction or reducedd or oxidising agent.

A voltaic cell consists of two compartments called half-cells. The half-cell where oxidation occurs is called the anode. The other half-cell, where reduction occurs, is called the cathode. The electrons in voltaic cells flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode—from anode to cathode