At which electrode are electrons generated?

Question

Consider the Figure shown in which X represent Zn(s), T represents Co(s), and S is a solution that is 1.0 M in Co ²⁺.

At which electrode are electrons generated? The reduction potentials of Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ are -0.27 V and -0.76 V, respectively.

The correct answer is X. Can you explain why?

Answer 1

You didn't provide the "Figure shown", show it's difficult to know exactly what is shown.

In a Galvanic cell, electrons are generated at the anode. They travel to the cathode where reduction takes place.

Since Co²⁺ has a greater reduction potential than Zn²⁺, it will be reduced and thus in the figure, the Co(s) electrode is the cathode, and the anode is the Zn(s) electrode. Thus, X (which represents) Zn(s) would be the answer for where electrons are produced.