Question

A student contrructs an electrochemical cell using Zn/Zn^2+ half cell and a Cu/Cu^2+ half cell. The zinc electrode is immersed in a zinc sulfate solution and copper electride is immersed in copper (2) sulfate solution.

Sketch a diagram of the functioning cell, labelling its various parts. Be sure to include the substance at the anode and the substance at the cathode.

Answer 1

Here is a sketch of the functioning cell:

Zinc electrode (Zn) | Zinc sulfate solution (Zn^2+) || Copper (2) sulfate solution (Cu^2+) | Copper electrode (Cu)

At the anode (negative electrode), oxidation occurs, giving up electrons:

Zn(s) → Zn^2+(aq) + 2e^-

At the cathode (positive electrode), reduction occurs, accepting electrons:

Cu^2+(aq) + 2e^- → Cu(s)