Question

Describe the electrodes in this iron-copper galvanic cell.

Answer 1

Zinc:

- anode

- loses mass

Copper:

- cathode

- gains mass

Step-by-step explanation:

Assuming you are referring to the reaction of: Zn(s) + Cu^2+(aq) --> Zn^2(aq) + Cu(s) **refer to image attached below for better visual**

Step 1: look to see what is being consumed/produced in reaction

- solid zinc is being consumed as it goes from 'Zn' on the reaction side to 'Zn^2+' on product side

- solid copper is being produced as is goes from 'Cu^2+' on the reactant side to 'Cu' on the product side

Note: this means that zinc loses mass, and copper gains mass

Step 2: look to see the loss/gain of electrons

we can see that in the overall reaction, we lose electrons to form 'Zn^2+' and gain electrons to form 'Cu'

Step 3: use the above steps to help clarity trends of 'oxidation'/'reduction'

Oxidation trends:

- loss of electrons

- occurs at the anode

Reduction trends:

- gain of electrons

- occurs at cathode

Step 4: apply all the information above to describe the electrodes in the iron-copper galavnic cell

Zinc

- anode

- loses mass

Copper

- cathode

- gains mass

Answer 2

The anode is an electrode wherein the loss of mass takes place in composed of zinc while the cathode wherein it is the electrode that the gain of mass take place is composed of copper. By definition, a galvanic cell consists of redox processes wherein electrical is derived from it.