Bot GPT 4-o mini In the reaction between zinc (Zn) and copper sulfate (CuSO₄), the anode and cathode can be identified based on the half-reactions involved and the flow of electrons.
The overall reaction is:
\[ \text{Zn} + \text{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4 + \text{Cu} \]
Half-reactions:
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Oxidation half-reaction (occurs at the anode): \[ \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- \] Zinc is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons.
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Reduction half-reaction (occurs at the cathode): \[ \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu} \] Copper ions are reduced, meaning they gain electrons.
Identification of electrodes:
- Anode: This is where oxidation occurs. In this case, zinc (Zn) acts as the anode because it loses electrons.
- Cathode: This is where reduction occurs. Copper ions (Cu²⁺) in the copper sulfate solution act as the cathode because they gain electrons and are reduced to metallic copper (Cu).
Therefore, in this electrochemical reaction:
- Anode: Zn
- Cathode: Cu (from Cu²⁺)
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