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Which of the following statements about a galvanic (electrochemical) cell is INCORRECT?
- Cathode is the positive electrode
- Cathode is the negative electrode
- Electrons flow from cathode to anode in the external circuit
- Reduction occurs at cathode
Correct answer: Cathode is the negative electrode
Solution
In a galvanic (voltaic) cell: oxidation at anode, reduction at cathode. Electrons flow from anode (negative) to cathode (positive) in external circuit. Hence the cathode is the positive electrode and the anode is the negative electrode. Options A and D are correct statements. Option B ('cathode is negative') is INCORRECT for a galvanic cell. Option C ('electrons flow from cathode to anode') is also incorrect since electrons flow from anode to cathode. Both B and C are wrong; the question asks for the single wrong statement. B is directly contradicted by basic electrochemistry. C is also wrong. Among the options, B is the most clearly stated incorrect fact.
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