Question

I really, really need help with this!! Please!!
Give the sign of the electrodes and the reaction that occurs at each for both voltaic and electrolytic cells.

Answer 1

the convention is that electrons flow from negative potential to positive potential. using this as the rule of thumb:

voltaic cell: the electrons flow from the anode (where things give up electrons) to the cathode (where things accept electrons), so the cathode is positive and the anode is negative.

electrolytic: the electrons are pushed (by the external power supply) to the cathode, and the electrons are stripped from things at the anode. think of the electrons flowing from the cathode through the solution to the anode. so the cathode is negative and the anode is positive.

of course, the electrons "flow" in the solution by piggybacking on the anions. so they are not running around in their birthday suits.

Answer 2

haha awesome analogies.