In a galvanic cell, which statement about oxidation and reduction is correct?

• A. Oxidation takes place at the cathode
• B. Oxidation and reduction take place at the same time, but at different electrodes
• C. Electrolytes are added to carry electrons between electrodes
• D. Electrical energy is used to reverse spontaneous chemical reactions

Answer: (B)

In a galvanic cell, oxidation and reduction occur at two different places and at the same time. Oxidation happens at the anode, producing electrons, while reduction happens at the cathode, consuming those electrons. The electrons flow through the external circuit from the anode to the cathode, delivering electrical energy to any connected load. Inside each half-cell, the electrolytes allow ions to move to balance charge, but electrons themselves don’t travel through the liquid; they move through the wire. If you had to reverse the reaction, you’d need to supply energy to push electrons in the opposite direction—that’s electrolysis, not how a galvanic cell operates. So the key idea is that oxidation and reduction occur concurrently, but at separate electrodes.