Final answer:
In a voltaic cell, oxidation, which occurs at the anode (the negative electrode), can involve copper converting into copper ions with the release of electrons. These electrons then reduce silver ions at the cathode (the positive electrode) to solid silver.
Step-by-step explanation:
- In a voltaic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode, which is the negative electrode, and reduction occurs at the cathode, which is the positive electrode.
- For a galvanic cell involving copper and silver(I), the half-reaction that can occur at the anode, where oxidation takes place, is Cu(s) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻.
- The electrons generated here are then used to reduce Ag⁺ ions at the cathode with the half-reaction Ag⁺(aq) + e⁻ → Ag(s).
- These half-reactions are essential to maintaining the flow of electrons through the external circuit, resulting in an electric current.