Question

In a Daniell stack the following redox reaction occurs:

Zn(s) + ^Cu2+(aq) à Zn2⁺⁽aq) + Cu(s)

 

a) write the oxidation and reduction semi-reactions , also indicating the electrons at stake and the oxidation numbers of the reactants and products.

b) what reaction would take place in an electrolytic cell? 

Answer 1

Part a

Oxidation

Zn$_{(s)}\to$ Zn$^{2+}_{(aq)}+2$ e

Reduction

Cu$^{2+}_{(aq)}+2e^-\to$ Cu$_{(s)}$

Part b

Zn$_{(s)}+$ H$_2$ SO$_{4(aq)}\to$ ZnSO$_{4(aq)}+$ H$_{2(g)}$