14.15

[Connie2I]

For 14.15a, when writing a cell diagram for AgBr (s) <-> Ag+(aq) + Br-(aq), is the anode/cathode just assumed to be Ag(s)? And why?

[ZoeHahn1J]

Ag is oxidized in the reaction (anode) and Br is reduced (cathode). We can tell which one is oxidized or reduced by how favorable it would be for each atom to either gain or lose an electron; since Br is very electronegative, we can assume that it would take an electron, and that therefore, Ag would lose an electron and be oxidized.