Chemistry Electrochemistry MDCAT 2016
PMDC Verified Question 64 of 73
The diagram shows a galvanic cell. The current will flow from:

H2 Anode (SHE) (-) Cu Cathode (+) V
A
Hydrogen electrode to copper electrode
B
Copper electrode to hydrogen electrode
C
Hydrogen electrode to HCl solution
D
CuSO4 solution to hydrogen electrode
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: Hydrogen electrode to copper electrode
Concept:

In a standard galvanic cell, electrons flow spontaneously from the anode (lower reduction potential) to the cathode (higher reduction potential).

Solution:

  • The cell pairs a Standard Hydrogen Electrode (\( 0.00 \text{ V} \)) with a Copper half-cell (\( +0.34 \text{ V} \)).


  • Because Hydrogen has the lower reduction potential, it undergoes oxidation and acts as the anode.


  • Copper acts as the cathode.


  • The electron flow (frequently referred to colloquially as "current" in MDCAT nomenclature) originates at the anode and travels through the external wire to the cathode: from the Hydrogen electrode to the Copper electrode.


Why other options are incorrect:

Flowing from Copper to Hydrogen would require a non-spontaneous input of energy (electrolytic cell). Current does not flow from the electrode directly into its own bulk solution in an external circuit context.

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