Question

Which statement is true for the cell below as it is in operation?

Zn | Zn²+ (1.0 M) || Sn²+ (1.0 M) | Sn
A. Oxidation occurs at the tin electrode.
B. Electrons will flow from the tin electrode to the zinc electrode.
C. The concentration of Zn²+ will increase.
D. The mass of the tin electrode will decrease.
E. Sn²+ is the reducing agent.

Answer 1

The true statement for the given galvanic cell in operation is that the concentration of Zn²⁺ will increase as the zinc electrode undergoes oxidation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the operation of a galvanic cell consisting of zinc and tin electrodes. In this cell, oxidation occurs at the zinc electrode, where zinc metal (Zn) is converted to zinc ions (Zn²⁺), releasing electrons. The statement that the concentration of Zn²⁺ will increase (C) is true during the operation of the cell as the zinc electrode dissolves into the solution.

Since oxidation at the zinc electrode produces electrons, these electrons will travel through the external circuit to the tin electrode, which acts as the cathode. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that oxidation occurs at the zinc electrode, not the tin electrode, and that Zinc (Zn²⁺) serves as the reducing agent in its half-cell.