Textbook Question
During the discharge of an alkaline battery, 4.50 g of Zn is consumed at the anode of the battery. (a) What mass of MnO2 is reduced at the cathode during this discharge?
20. Electrochemistry
Electroplating
Multiple Choice
In a certain electroplating process, gold is deposited onto a metal surface. Which electrode acts as the cathode during this process?
A
The metal object being plated
B
Both electrodes act as cathodes
C
The gold electrode
D
The electrolyte solution
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the definition of cathode in an electrochemical cell: it is the electrode where reduction occurs (gain of electrons).
In an electroplating process, metal ions in the solution gain electrons and deposit as solid metal onto the surface of the object being plated.
Since reduction happens at the electrode where metal is deposited, the metal object being plated must be the cathode.
The gold electrode, if present as a source of gold ions, typically acts as the anode, where oxidation occurs (loss of electrons), releasing gold ions into the solution.
The electrolyte solution is not an electrode; it facilitates ion movement but does not act as cathode or anode.
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