Ionization of Zinc in galvanic cells

[B4ssHunter]

what exactly ionizes zinc in the galvanic cell or the daniell cell ?
i mean zinc atoms in the galvanic cell are ionized into Zn ++ and 2 e- .
then the electrons move through the conductor to the copper bar , my question is why does zinc ionize when connected in a battery ? when the circuit is turned off , the ionization stops , why's that ?

 

[Borek]

What happens in the other half cell?

 

[B4ssHunter]

it is forced to be reduced i suppose

 

[Borek]

So there is a charge transfer between both half cells?

 

[LudusRex]

In a galvanic cell, the ionization of zinc occurs due to the chemical reaction between the zinc electrode and the electrolyte solution. When the zinc electrode is immersed in the electrolyte solution, the zinc atoms on the surface of the electrode react with the ions in the solution (usually an acid or base) to form zinc ions (Zn2+) and release two electrons. This process is known as oxidation.

The released electrons then flow through the external circuit to the copper electrode, creating an electric current. This flow of electrons is what powers the device connected to the cell.

When the circuit is turned off, the flow of electrons stops and the zinc ions in the solution are no longer attracted to the zinc electrode. Therefore, the ionization of zinc stops. This is because the chemical reaction between the zinc electrode and the electrolyte solution only occurs when there is a complete circuit, allowing for the continuous flow of electrons.

It is important to note that the ionization of zinc is a reversible process. When the cell is recharged, the flow of electrons is reversed and the zinc ions are reduced back to zinc atoms, which then accumulate on the zinc electrode. This process is known as reduction.

In summary, the ionization of zinc in a galvanic cell is a result of the chemical reaction between the zinc electrode and the electrolyte solution, and it only occurs when there is a complete circuit for the flow of electrons.