A concentration cell comprises two copper electrodes immersed in differing concentrations of copper(II) sulfate solution. Why does the electrode in the more dilute solution act as the anode?

💡 Explanation

The electrode in the more dilute solution acts as the anode because oxidation at that electrode increases the concentration of Cu2+ ions, counteracting the concentration difference; this drives the cell reaction. Therefore, oxidation must occur to balance the concentrations, rather than reduction dominating.

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