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The salt bridge is lifted out of a working galvanic cell. What happens to the current?
AIt doubles because charge builds up
BIt stops because the metals dissolve
CIt stops because charge builds up
DIt rises because the wire heats up
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. It stops because charge builds up
1. Oxidation at the anode leaves extra positive ions in that compartment.
2. Reduction at the cathode strips positive ions out of the other compartment.
3. Without a path for ions, one side turns positive and the other negative.
4. That build up of charge opposes any further electron flow, so the current stops.
5. The salt bridge normally lets ions migrate and keeps both compartments neutral.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Chs 7 and 17, section 17.2 Galvanic Cells_
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