Question

What is the anode and cathode in the reaction

Zn + CuSO4 > ZnSO4 + Cu.

Answer 1

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:**

1. Oxidation half-reaction (occurs at the anode):
\[ \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- \]
Zinc is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons.

2. 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⁺)