Question

Write a chemical equation for the reaction that occurs in the following cell: Cu|Cu2+(aq)||Ag+(aq)|Ag. Of the two metals, copper and silver, which is the anode and which is the cathode? Label the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent.

Answer 1

Answer is given below.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anode is that electrode where oxidation occurs. Cathode is that electrode where reduction occurs.

In cell representation, half cell present left to salt-bridge notation
`(\parallel )` is anodic system and another half cell present right to salt-bridge notation
`(\parallel )` is cathodic system.

So anode is Cu and cathode is Ag.

oxidation:
`Cu-2e^(-)\rightarrow Cu^(2+)(aq.)`

[reduction:
`Ag^(+)+e^(-)\rightarrow Ag`]
`* 2`

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chemical equation:
`Cu+2Ag^(+)(aq.)\rightarrow Cu^(2+)(aq.)+2Ag`

Oxidizing agent is that species which takes electron from another species. Here
`Ag^(+)(aq.)` takes electron from Cu. Hence
`Ag^(+)(aq.)` is the oxidizing agent.

Reducing agent is that species which gives electron to another species. Here Cu gives electron to
`Ag^(+)(aq.)` . Hence Cu is the reducing agent.