Chapter 18, Problem 18.14QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason corresponding to the given fact that the ${\text{Zn/Cu}}^{\text{2+}}$ reaction given in Figure 1 does not generate electricity while the same reaction given in Figure 2 generates electricity is to be stated.

Concept introduction: Voltaic cell is a type of electrochemical cell which converts the chemical energy to electrical energy. This chemical energy generates by processing the redox reaction. Redox reaction is the combination of two half reactions that are oxidation half and reduction half.

Oxidation is a process in which loss of electrons take place, while in reduction gain of electron take place. In voltaic cell during the process of redox reaction electrons are generated on anode and then transfer to the cathode by the external circuit. In this way we can say that the process of oxidation occurs at the anode and the process of reduction occurs at cathode and hence, electron flows.

The flow of electrons is only with the reactions which have the potential differences in their electrodes.

To determine: The reason corresponding to the given fact that the ${\text{Zn/Cu}}^{\text{2+}}$ reaction given in Figure 1 does not generate electricity while the same reaction given in Figure 2 generates electricity.