Practice question · Multiple choice
Why does a galvanic cell stop working almost immediately if the salt bridge is removed?
Hints
- Electrons leaving one compartment leave a net charge behind.
- Without ions migrating to balance it, that charge stops the process.
Show the answer
A. Charge builds up in each compartment and opposes further electron flow
Why
Oxidation leaves excess positive charge at the anode and reduction leaves excess negative charge at the cathode. That separation opposes further electron flow within moments unless ions migrate through a salt bridge to neutralise it.
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