Question

Answer the following questions based on the following electrochemical reaction:

Al(s) + Cu 2+(aq) <====> Cu(s) + Al3+ (aq)

Write the balanced chemical equation for this cell.

I'm confused.. how would this be balanced?

Answer 1

mass is balanced on each side, as well as electrons. Each Cu ion has to receive two electrons, and each Al atom donate three

2Al(s) + 3Cu 2+(aq) <====> 3Cu(s) + 2Al3+ (aq)

so, six electrons were donated, and six received, and the mass is the same on each side.