A simple voltaic cell shown in figure, It contains of copper plate (Anode) and a zinc plate (Cathode) placed in a dilute sulfuric acid stored in suitable vessel. The chemical action taken placed within the cell causes the electrons to be removed from the copper plate and to be deposited on the zinc plate at the same time.
Transfer of these electrons is completed with the help of dilute sulfuric acid, which is named as electrolyte. Zinc side becomes negative side due to deposit of electrons and copper side act as a positive side due to removal of electrons. The maximum amount of electrons on the zinc side is being attracted by anode but is prevented from returning to it by the force set up by the chemical action within the cell.
When two electrodes are connected by a wire externally, then the electrons rush to the anode thereby equalizing the charge of the two electrodes,but due to the chemical reaction a continuous difference in the numbers of electrons on the two electrodes is maintained which keep up a continuous flow of current through the external circuit.The action of the cell is same as water pump working.
When zinc is charged negatively , it is said to be at negative potential with respect to electrolyte, whereas anode is to be said the positive with respect to electrolyte. So in conclusion the copper plate is to be at higher potential than zinc plate. The difference in potential is continuously managed through the chemical action going in the cell which supplies energy to maintain the potential difference.
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