In a galvanic cell, where does oxidation occur?

In a galvanic cell, oxidation takes place at the anode. This is a fundamental aspect of electrochemical cells. During the oxidation reaction, an atom or molecule loses electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state. The anode is designated as the electrode where this loss of electrons occurs.

The electrons lost during oxidation then flow through the external circuit to the cathode, where reduction takes place. This movement of electrons from the anode to the cathode generates electrical energy, which can be harnessed for various purposes.

The salt bridge acts as a pathway to maintain charge neutrality within the cell by allowing the flow of ions, but it is not the site of oxidation. The metal strip can refer to the anode or cathode, depending on the context, but it does not inherently specify where oxidation occurs without additional context.

In summary, understanding the roles of the anode and cathode, as well as the salt bridge's function, clarifies why oxidation is specifically designated at the anode in galvanic cells.