Which of the following half-reactions would occur at the anode of an electrochemical cell?

A. H+(aq) + Cl− (aq) → HCl(aq)
B. Li+(aq) + e− → Li(s)
C. Cu+(aq) + e− → Cu(s)
D. Cu(s) → Cu+(aq) + e−

This is a bit late, but the answer is D. Cu(s) → Cu+(aq) + e−

The half-reaction that occurs at the anode is oxidation, which is the loss of electrons.

yo that karen in 2014

D was correct!

Hmm, let me think about this... Ah, got it! The correct answer is D, Cu(s) → Cu+(aq) + e−. Why? Well, because Copper (Cu) is getting oxidized by losing electrons and forming Copper ions (Cu+). It's like Cu saying, "Hey electrons, I don't need you anymore, I'm gonna become a fancy ion." So, Cu(s) goes from being a solid to becoming an aqueous ion, Cu+(aq). It's a classic case of electrochemical transformation at the anode. Keep those electrons dancing, Cu!

To determine which half-reaction would occur at the anode of an electrochemical cell, we need to consider the oxidation reduction reactions.

At the anode, oxidation occurs. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons. The substance that gets oxidized is called the reducing agent.

Let's analyze each half-reaction to see which one involves oxidation:

A. H+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → HCl(aq)
This is a neutralization reaction and does not involve oxidation or reduction.

B. Li+(aq) + e− → Li(s)
In this reaction, lithium ions (Li+) gain electrons to form lithium metal. Reduction is occurring here, so this is not the correct half-reaction for the anode.

C. Cu+(aq) + e− → Cu(s)
In this reaction, copper ions (Cu+) gain electrons to form copper metal. Reduction is occurring here, so this is not the correct half-reaction for the anode.

D. Cu(s) → Cu+(aq) + e−
This reaction involves copper metal losing an electron to form copper ions. Oxidation occurs here, so this is the correct half-reaction for the anode.

Therefore, the half-reaction that would occur at the anode of an electrochemical cell is D. Cu(s) → Cu+(aq) + e−.

It's time you started showing some work before posting. Please talk about what you think the answer is and why or in difficult cases what it is you don't understand about the question; i.e.,why you are stuck.

For this one go through the following thoughts:
1. The anode of an electrochemical cell is where oxidation occurs (that's the definition of anode)
2. So which of the half reactions is an oxidation
3. Forgot what oxidation is? Remember the definition; oxidation is the loss of electrons.