Final answer:
In the voltaic cell, oxidation occurs at the copper anode producing Cu2+ ions, while reduction occurs at the silver cathode forming solid silver. The net reaction involves the transfer of electrons from copper to silver ions. Charge balance is maintained by the migration of ions through the salt bridge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anode reaction in a galvanic cell with a Cu|Cu2+ half-cell and a Ag|Ag+ half-cell is:
Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e−
The cathode reaction is:
Ag+(aq) + e− → Ag(s)
The net cell reaction is:
Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)
In the external circuit, electrons migrate from the Cu|Cu2+ electrode to the Ag|Ag+ electrode. In the salt bridge, anions migrate from the Ag|Ag+ compartment to the Cu|Cu2+ compartment to maintain charge balance.