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 is a reaction in a galvanic cell. In three to five sentences, describe how you know your classmate is correct?

Answer 1

The equation is a redox reaction: Zn → Zn2+ + 2 e− (oxidation) and Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu (reduction), which is exactly what happens in a galvanic cell. The oxidized metal (Zn) is the anode and the reduced species (Cu2+) is at the cathode, so electrons flow through an external circuit from Zn to Cu. Using standard reduction potentials (Zn2+/Zn = −0.76 V, Cu2+/Cu = +0.34 V) gives E°cell = +1.10 V, so the reaction is spontaneous and can produce electrical energy. Ion flow in the solutions and a salt bridge complete the circuit and maintain charge balance, matching galvanic-cell operation.