Question

Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu\
Zinc (Zn) reacts with copper sulfate (CuSO4) to form zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and copper (Cu). A classmate tells you this a reaction in a galvanic cell. In three to five sentences, describe how you know your classmate is correct?

Answer 1

Your classmate is correct because the reaction between zinc (Zn) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) is indeed a redox reaction that can occur in a galvanic cell. In this reaction, zinc is oxidized, losing electrons to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺), while copper ions (Cu²⁺) from the copper sulfate are reduced to solid copper (Cu). This electron transfer is essential for the generation of electrical energy in a galvanic cell, where the anode (zinc electrode) undergoes oxidation and the cathode (copper electrode) undergoes reduction. The movement of electrons from the zinc to the copper electrode through an external circuit allows the cell to produce electrical current.