Chapter 20, Problem 36A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

With the help of given graph, which one oxidized is to identified and which one is cathode is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A electrochemical cell is represented by writing the anode where oxidation occurs on the left hand side and cathode where reduction occurs on the right hand side.

Answer to Problem 36A

Zinc is oxidized because, there is loss of electrons occurs which is known as oxidation process. Reduction is occurs at the cathode and in the given figure reduction is occurs at copper electrode which is cathode.

Explanation of Solution

A electrochemical cell is represented by writing the anode where oxidation occurs on the left hand side and cathode where reduction occurs on the right hand side.

The given cell representation is

$\text{Zn}|{\text{Zn}}^{\text{+2}}\parallel {\text{Cu}}^{\text{+2}}|\text{Cu}$

The oxidation half reaction

$\text{Zn}\left(\text{s}\right)\to {\text{Zn}}^{\text{+2}}\left(\text{aq}\right){\text{+2e}}^{\text{-}}$

The reduction half reaction

${\text{Cu}}^{\text{+2}}\left(\text{aq}\right){\text{+2e}}^{\text{-}}\to \text{Cu}$

Hence, zinc is oxidized because, there is loss of electrons occurs which is known as oxidation process. Reduction is occurs at the cathode and in the given figure reduction is occurs at copper electrode which is cathode.

Conclusion

Zinc is oxidized because, there is loss of electrons occurs which is known as oxidation process. Reduction is occurs at the cathode and in the given figure reduction is occurs at copper electrode which is cathode.