Which of the following statements is correct for the galvanic cell?

The correct answer is Option (1) → The half-cell in which oxidation takes place is called anode and has a negative potential with respect to the solution.

A galvanic cell has two half-cells. At the anode oxidation takes place: the metal gives up electrons, which stay on the electrode, so the anode has a negative potential with respect to its solution. At the cathode reduction takes place: ions take electrons from the electrode, leaving it with a positive potential. Electrons flow in the outer circuit from anode to cathode.

In the Daniell cell:

    \( \displaystyle \text{Anode (oxidation): } \ce{Zn(s) -> Zn^2+(aq) + 2e-} \)

    \( \displaystyle \text{Cathode (reduction): } \ce{Cu^2+(aq) + 2e- -> Cu(s)} \)

So the correct statement is that the oxidation half-cell is the anode and has a negative potential.

Why the other options are incorrect

• Option (2) The half-cell in which oxidation takes place is called anode and has a positive potential with respect to the solution. — Incorrect. The name is right, but the electrons released by oxidation make the anode negative, not positive.

• Option (3) The half-cell in which reduction takes place is called cathode and has a negative potential with respect to the solution. — Incorrect. Reduction removes electrons from the cathode, so it is positive.

• Option (4) The half-cell in which reduction takes place is called anode and has a negative potential with respect to the solution. — Incorrect. The reduction half-cell is the cathode, not the anode.

NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Galvanic Cells – “… At each electrode-electrolyte interface there is a tendency of metal ions from the solution to deposit on the metal electrode trying to make it positively charged. At the same time, metal atoms of the electrode have a tendency to go into the solution as ions and leave behind the electrons at the electrode trying to make it negatively charged. … In a galvanic cell, the half-cell in which oxidation takes place is called anode and it has a negative potential with respect to the solution. The other half-cell in which reduction takes place is called cathode and it has a positive potential with respect to the solution.”