Which component is usually on the left side of cell notation?

In electrochemical cells, cell notation is a standardized way to represent the components and reactions occurring in the cell. For galvanic (or voltaic) cells, the notation is organized from left to right, with the anode placed on the left side.

The anode is always the electrode where oxidation occurs, which means that it is the site where electrons are produced during the electrochemical reaction. In contrast, the cathode, where reduction takes place, is positioned on the right side of the notation. This organization provides a clear and systematic way of describing the redox processes occurring in the cell.

Therefore, the positioning of the anode on the left side of the cell notation reflects its fundamental role in the electrochemical reaction and is vital for understanding the flow of electrons in a galvanic cell.