Voltaric Cell/Cell Chemical Reaction

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the voltaic cell, it is established that the zinc electrode is the anode, and electrons flow from zinc to copper, making statements a and c false. The oxidation half-reaction involves zinc, while the reduction half-reaction must also be identified for a complete analysis. The participants confirm that zinc is consumed during the reaction, as it oxidizes to zinc ions, while copper is reduced and consumed at the cathode. Ultimately, statements b and e are deemed true, indicating that zinc is consumed before copper in the cell reaction. Understanding these chemical processes is crucial for accurately interpreting voltaic cell behavior.
deteam
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Homework Statement



9vbkuc.jpg


Which of the following are true statements about the above voltaric cell and the resulting cell chemical reaction ?

a) The zinc electrode is the cathode

b) Zinc will be consumed before copper

c) Electrons flow from the copper electrode to the zinc electrode

d) The half reaction for the anode is Cu2+(aq) + 2e− → Cu(s)

e) The species SO42− does not take part in the cell reaction

The Attempt at a Solution



i know a is false because zinc is the anode.
i know c is false because electrons flow from the zinc to the copper & ions flow from the copper to the zinc
i know d is false because the half reaction is the Oxidation at the anode Zn(s) --> Zn2+(aq) + 2e-
i believe e is true

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Reduction at the cathode
2H3O+(aq) + 2e --> H2(g) + 2H2O(l)
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any other help with this?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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deteam said:
Which of the following are true statements about the above voltaric cell and the resulting cell chemical reaction ?

We can't see the picture.

i know c is false because electrons flow from the zinc to the copper & ions flow from the copper to the zinc

You are right about electrons, but what ions?

You need two half reactions, so far you have listed one only - zinc oxidation. Something must be reduced at the same time.

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You haven't told us what the cell is! Is it: Zn | ZnSO4 || CuSO4 | Cu ? Or something else?

Use the above notation if the cell is different from the one above.

EDIT: Simul-posting with Borek!
 
you're right, 'e' is true.

Source: LUCID
 
updated this with the pic...and the second half reaction
 
Ok, now, what ions flow from the copper to zinc?

Is copper electrode consumed in the cell?

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These flow from zinc to copper.

Ignoring the other question won't get you far - you have to answer it to answer b.

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I believe the copper is consumed to answer Borek's question.

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  • #10
B is true as well as E, thank you for your help
 
  • #11
Jay J said:
I believe the copper is consumed to answer Borek's question.

How?

What does 'consumed' mean in this context?

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  • #12
Why is it that zinc is consumed? I don't see how it is consumed...the anode is still present even though it is oxidized...
 
  • #13
No, zinc - once oxidized - gets into the solution in the form of ions. If you wait long enough, anode will simply dissapear.

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