Page 386 - Chemistry eBook
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Voltaic Cell Process
• The reaction begins at the more active metal, which is the anode. To determine the more active metal, find the element that
appears higher on Reffy, Table J.
In the diagram to the right, does the reaction start at Zn or Cu? The reaction will start at Zn because it appears higher than Cu on
Reffy, Table J.
• The anode (which is the more active metal) undergoes oxidation (an ox).
Zn, the anode, gets oxidized.
Oxidation reaction: Zn Zn2+ + 2e-
The Zn electrode turns into Zn2+.
This means that the Zn electrode shrinks and the Zn2+ solution grows.
• During oxidation, the electrons travel from the anode to the cathode through the wire/external current.
The 2 electrons travel from Zn to Cu through the wire/external current.
A comes before C in the alphabet.
Anode comes before cathode in the redox reaction.
385 © UNIT 10: OXIDATION & REDUCTION
