A galvanic cell is assembled from two half-cells separated by a salt bridge and…
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
Problem
A galvanic cell is assembled from two half-cells separated by a salt bridge and connected by an external wire. The cell is represented symbolically as
Zn(s)∣Zn2+(1.0M)∣∣Cu2+(1.0M)∣Cu(s)
Assume all solutions are at 25∘C and 1.0M concentration. Answer the following.
(1) Part 1: Identify which electrode is the anode and which is the cathode in this cell. Justify your assignment in terms of the chemical changes occurring at each electrode.
(2) Part 2: State the direction in which electrons move through the external wire. Express your answer using the names of the metals involved.
(3) Part 3: Describe the directions of migration for the cations and anions within the salt bridge as the cell operates. Explain how this migration maintains electrical neutrality in each half-cell.
(4) Part 4: Predict whether the mass of each metal electrode increases or decreases as the cell produces current. Provide a chemical explanation for each prediction.