In the electromotive series, which metal is the cathode?

In the context of the electromotive series, the cathode is determined by the relative potentials of the metals involved in a redox reaction. The metal with the higher reduction potential acts as the cathode. This is because at the cathode, reduction occurs—meaning that the metal ions in solution gain electrons and are reduced to their metallic state.

In the electromotive series, metals are arranged based on their tendency to be oxidized, with more reactive metals having lower reduction potentials. Conversely, the metals that have higher reduction potentials (less reactive) tend to attract electrons and are therefore better at being reduced. When two metals are in contact in an electrochemical cell, the one with the higher potential will gain electrons from the other metal, which is losing electrons and being oxidized.

Thus, in the scenario presented, the correct answer is that the metal with the higher potential is the cathode, as it undergoes reduction during the electrochemical process.