n this lab, you will use a Zn?Cu electrochemical cell similar to the one shown i
ID: 832769 • Letter: N
Question
n this lab, you will use a Zn?Cu electrochemical cell similar to the one shown in Figure 12.1. The overall chemical reaction occurring in this cell is:
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ? Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
In this reaction, how many electrons are being transferred from one substance to the other?
Explain how you can determine this from the reaction shown above.
Which metal is gaining electrons and which metal is losing electrons?
Explain the function of a salt bridge in building an electrochemical cell such as this one.
Explanation / Answer
1: In this reaction 2 electrons are being transferred fron Zn to Cu2+. This can be seen from the reaction because the oxidation state of Zn has increased by 2 units and oxidation state of Cu2+ has decreased by 2 units.
2.Zinc is loosing the electrons and Copper is gaining the electrons.
3. A salt bridge allows the flow of ions to maintain a balance in charge between the oxidation and reduction vessels while keeping the contents of each separate. With the charge difference balanced, electrons can flow once again, and the reduction and oxidation reactions can proceed. If no salt bridge were used, the increasing charge difference would eventually prevent further flow of electrons.
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