Trigger for a Zn oxidation reaction in a battery Reference

[Slava]

Who is the trigger of the oxidation reaction. Copper which attracts electrons from the Zinc or solution which makes Zinc losing electrons and become positively charged. I am struggling to understand what actually makes Zinc to enter the solution and leave 2 electrons behind. If there is no wire between positive and a negative electrode of a battery Zn won't be able to give away 2 electrons or ZN electrode will still be able to gain a negative charge due to reaction with the solution. Thank you guys

 

[meBigGuy]

The reaction happens for chemical reasons as described in http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/battery.html and anywhere else you might look.

There is a charge built up on the zinc electrode. It doesn't have to go anywhere to exist as a charge. The ultimate potential is limited by the chemical reaction.