Consider the electrochemical cell :
Zn (s) / Zn2+ (aq) // Cu2+ (aq) / Cu. It has an electrical potential of 1.1 V when concentration of Zn2+ and
Cu2+ ions is unity. State the direction of flow of electrons and also specify if Zinc and Copper are
deposited or dissolved at their respective electrodes. When :
(a) an external opposite potential of 0.8 V is applied.
(b) an external opposite potential of 1.1 V is applied.
(c) an external opposite potential of 1.4 V is applied.
Dear Student
As the cell shows that there is oxidation occurs at Zn electrode while reduction at Cu electrode. Hence the Zn looses electron while Cu accepts, which makes the flow of electron from Zn electron to the Cu electrode and the current from the Cu electrode towards Zn.
Now to deposit both of ions on their respective electrode 1.4 V of opposite potential must be applied.
Regards
As the cell shows that there is oxidation occurs at Zn electrode while reduction at Cu electrode. Hence the Zn looses electron while Cu accepts, which makes the flow of electron from Zn electron to the Cu electrode and the current from the Cu electrode towards Zn.
Now to deposit both of ions on their respective electrode 1.4 V of opposite potential must be applied.
Regards