Questions: What is the purpose of the salt bridge in a voltaic cell? a. doesn't exist b. oxidation takes place here c. reduction takes place here d. maintain charge balance

Solution Steps

In a voltaic cell, the salt bridge is a crucial component that connects the two half-cells. Its primary function is to maintain electrical neutrality within the internal circuit. This is essential because, during the redox reactions, electrons are transferred from the anode to the cathode, leading to a buildup of positive charge in the anode compartment and negative charge in the cathode compartment.

The salt bridge contains a salt solution that allows ions to flow between the two half-cells. This flow of ions compensates for the charge imbalance caused by the movement of electrons. By allowing ions to move, the salt bridge prevents the solutions in the half-cells from becoming too positively or negatively charged, which would otherwise stop the flow of electrons and halt the reaction.

• Option a ("doesn't exist") is incorrect because the salt bridge is a real and essential component of a voltaic cell.
• Option b ("oxidation takes place here") is incorrect because oxidation occurs at the anode, not in the salt bridge.
• Option c ("reduction takes place here") is incorrect because reduction occurs at the cathode, not in the salt bridge.

Final Answer