Which statement best explains the generation of electrical energy in a simple cell ?

Options

A. Free moving ions in the electrolyte
B. Free moving electrons in the electrolyte.
C. transfer of electrons from a more reactive metal to a less reactive metal .
D. Transfer of electrons from a less reactive metal to a more reactive metal.

Explanation

To answer the question "Which statement best explains the generation of electrical energy in a simple cell?", we can break down the explanation into several steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding a Simple Cell**: A simple cell consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) immersed in an electrolyte. The anode is where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction takes place.

2. **Identifying the Electrodes**: In a simple cell, the more reactive metal is placed at the anode, while the less reactive metal is placed at the cathode. For example, if we consider zinc (more reactive) and copper (less reactive), zinc will be the anode and copper will be the cathode.

3. **Oxidation at the Anode**: At the anode, the more reactive metal (zinc) loses electrons during oxidation. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- \]
This means that zinc atoms lose two electrons and become zinc ions.

4. **Electron Flow**: The electrons released from the anode flow through an external circuit towards the cathode. This flow of electrons is what generates electrical energy.

5. **Reduction at the Cathode**: At the cathode, the less reactive metal (copper) gains the electrons that have traveled through the circuit. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu} \]
Here, copper ions gain electrons and are reduced to solid copper.

6. **Conclusion**: The generation of electrical energy in a simple cell is best explained by the transfer of electrons from the more reactive metal (anode) to the less reactive metal (cathode). This transfer of electrons is what creates an electric current.

### Final Answer
The statement that best explains the generation of electrical energy in a simple cell is: **"Transfer of electron from more reactive metal to less reactive metal."**

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