Final answer:
Answer is option a. The complete redox reaction for a Zn|Zn²⁺||Cu²⁺|Cu galvanic cell is Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s), where zinc is oxidized at the anode and copper ions are reduced at the cathode.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complete redox reaction for a Zn|Zn²⁺||Cu²⁺|Cu cell is:
Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)
This reaction represents the spontaneous redox process in a galvanic cell, where zinc metal (Zn) is the anode and undergoes oxidation, losing two electrons to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺). These electrons then flow through the external circuit to the cathode, where copper ions (Cu²⁺) are reduced to form copper metal (Cu).
The oxidation reaction that occurs at the anode is Zn(s) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻, and the reduction reaction that takes place at the cathode is Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Cu(s). When the two half-reactions are combined, the electrons cancel out, giving us the overall equation for the redox reaction in the cell.