Question

Where does oxidation occur in an electrochemical cell?
(1) at the cathode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell
(2) at the cathode in an electrolytic cell and at the anode in a voltaic cell
(3) at the anode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell
(4) at the anode in an electrolytic cell and at the cathode in a voltaic cell

Answer 1

Option No. 1 at the cathode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell

Negative ion arrives at the anode, attracted by electrostatic forces, where they lose electrons. Loss of electrons is defined as oxidation.

The reverse process occur at the negative electrode, where positive ions pick up electrons. They are reduced.

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, (3) at the anode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.

Explanation :

As we know that there are two types of cell which are, electrolytic cell and electrochemical cell or galvanic cell.

Electrolytic cell : It is defined as the cell in which the chemical reaction occurs by passing of the current from external source.

In this electrolytic cell, the oxidation occurs at anode which is a positive electrode and reduction occurs at cathode which is a negative electrode.

Electrochemical cell : It is defined as the cell in which the chemical reaction occurs with the production of electric potential difference between the two electrodes.  It is also known as voltaic cell.

In this cell, the oxidation occurs at anode which is a negative electrode and reduction occurs at cathode which is a positive electrode.

From this we conclude that, the oxidation occurs at the anode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.

Hence, the correct option is, (3) at the anode in both an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.