Question

What is the direction of flow of electrons in the outer circuit in a galvanic cell?

Answer 1

In a galvanic cell, the direction of flow of electrons in the outer circuit is from the anode to the cathode. This occurs because the anode is the site of oxidation, where electrons are released, while the cathode is the site of reduction, where electrons are accepted.

The anode is of negative polarity because it loses electrons, and the cathode is of positive polarity because it gains electrons. As a result, the electrons travel through the external wire from the anode (zinc in a Daniell cell, for example) to the cathode (copper).

So, the detailed flow is:

1. Electrons are liberated at the anode due to oxidation.
2. These electrons travel through the external circuit to reach the cathode.
3. At the cathode, they are consumed during the reduction reaction.

This flow of electrons from anode to cathode generates the electric current in the circuit.