Chapter 18, Problem 30A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given sentence needs to be completed.

Concept Introduction: By transfer of electrons, oxidation-reduction reactions are characterized. The transfer occurs to form ions. Oxidation reaction is caused by losing electrons and reduction caused by gaining electrons. In a galvanic cell, chemical energy is transferred to electrical energy via oxidation-reduction reaction.

Answer to Problem 30A

In a galvanic cell, electrons flow through a wire from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent.

Explanation of Solution

In a galvanic cell, oxidation that is loss of electron occurs at anode and gain of electrons that is reduction occurs at cathode. Hence, in a galvanic cell the flow of electron/s takes place from anode to cathode.

Reducing agent releases electrons, so is oxidized and oxidizing agent gained electrons and reduced.

Conclusion

An oxidizing agent gains electrons and a reducing agent lose electrons in a redox reaction.