How Does Electron Flow Work in a Zn-Cu Electrochemical Cell?

[chazgurl4life]

Homework Statement

2. Consider an electrochemical cell as shown, with Zn in ZnCl2(aq) and Cu in Cu(NO3)2(aq), and a salt bridge containing KNO3(aq). The overall chemical reaction is
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s).

a. How many moles of electrons are transferred in this reaction?
b. Which side is the anode?.
c. Which direction will electrons travel?
d. Which material is being reduced?
e. What is the oxidizing agent?

Homework Equations

a for a i understand that 2 moles of electrons are transferred through the salt brige. From anode to cathode.for b i said that the left side is the anode and c) that the electrons travel from zinc to copper
for d: o recognize that Cu 2+ is being reduced because it gains 2 electrons and becomes Cu (s). for e i think that since Cu 3+ is rduced it is the oxidizing agent..

The Attempt at a Solution

but my professor says the electrons flow from copper to zinc andthat zinc is the oxidizing agent...can anyone explain?

 

[courtrigrad]

Write the half reactions:Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + 2e^{-}Cu^{2+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow Cu

The electrons flow from zinc to copper and copper is the oxidizing agent.

 

[Borek]

Google reactivity series.

 

[chazgurl4life]

thanx so i guess my prof was wrong thanx