What occurs to the reduced species at the working electrode during CV?

Prepare for the ACS Inorganic Chemistry Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations.

During cyclic voltammetry (CV), the working electrode experiences a series of oxidation and reduction processes. When a species is reduced, it gains electrons at the electrode's surface, transitioning to a lower oxidation state. Following this reduction, as the potential is reversed, the species now has the opportunity to undergo oxidation. This means that the reduced form of the species will lose electrons and revert to its original oxidation state when the potential reaches a certain threshold, thus showing a definitive transition between the reduced and oxidized forms.

This behavior is a fundamental aspect of the redox processes that occur at the working electrode. Understanding this cycle reinforces the significance of oxidation-reduction reactions in electrochemical analysis, where the capacity to convert between oxidation states under controlled potentials is key to understanding the species' electrochemical behavior and kinetics during experiments like CV. The other options do not accurately describe what happens to the reduced species; it does not simply convert to heat, precipitate, or remain unchanged, emphasizing the dynamic interaction involved in CV.

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