Dr Lavelle Review Session in class

[Ashley Barrera 1J]

Just to double check, the cell diagram example where the anode and cathode were written on the board and Dr mentioned the voltage being negative which doesn't make sense unless the cathode and anode are switched? Can someone explain how I should get to this reasoning?

[Joseph Serafino 2L]

Hi!

I believe Dr Lavelle was discussing that problem directly stating that the only reason you would see the anode and cathode switched is when the problem is asking what is wrong with the picture. This is why a negative voltage does not make sense. So in a problem if it says describe what is wrong and then find the voltage you will have to switch the anode and cathode and then solve. Hope this makes more sense, but if it is switched it is not creating any energy.