Galvanic Cell (Voltaic Cell)
Build a battery from two metals and watch electrons flow, with the cell voltage.
Cell voltage E°cell0 V
Anode (oxidation)–
Cathode (reduction)–
Electrons flow–
What you can learn
- Oxidation happens at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
- Electrons flow from anode to cathode through the wire.
- E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode. A positive value means the cell is spontaneous.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do electrons flow in a galvanic cell?
From the anode (where oxidation happens) through the wire to the cathode (where reduction happens).
What does the salt bridge do?
It lets ions move between the two half-cells to keep each solution electrically neutral, which completes the circuit.