In a standard cell notation, which side represents the anode?

• A. Left side
• B. Right side
• C. Top
• D. Bottom

Answer: (A)

In standard cell notation, the electrode where oxidation occurs is placed on the left—the anode. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, so those electrons originate at the left-hand electrode and flow through the external circuit to the right-hand electrode, where reduction happens.

For example, a typical galvanic cell is written as zinc metal on the left with its ion, then a salt bridge, then copper ion on the right with copper metal. The left side involves Zn being oxidized to Zn2+ with electrons released, while the right side has Cu2+ gaining those electrons to become Cu. The double bar represents the salt bridge that maintains charge balance.