Use the reactions to complete the activity.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

Your classmate is correct in identifying this reaction as a galvanic cell reaction because it involves the transfer of electrons between two different metals, which is a hallmark of electrochemical processes. In this reaction, zinc (Zn) undergoes oxidation, losing electrons, while copper ions (Cu²⁺) in copper sulfate gain those electrons and get reduced to solid copper (Cu). The setup creates a flow of electrons from zinc (anode) to copper (cathode), generating an electric current, which is the primary function of a galvanic cell. Additionally, the formation of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) indicates that chemical energy is converted into electrical energy during this electron transfer process.