Question

Explain why the anode is of negative polarity in a galvanic cell.

Answer 1

At the anode, oxidation occurs; the metal loses electrons.

Example: \[\ce{Zn -> Zn^2+ + 2e^⁻}\]

These electrons accumulate on the anode, making it electron-rich and negatively charged. Since electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through the external circuit, the anode is assigned a negative polarity, and the cathode, where reduction occurs, is positive.