Question

Determine the redox reaction represented by the following cell notation.

Answer 1

Answer:

$Mg_{(s)}+Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}\rightarrow Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}+Cu_{(s)}$

Explanation:

The given cell notation is:-

$Mg_{(s)}|Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}||Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}|Cu_{(s)}$

Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

$X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-$

Reduction reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

$X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X$

The half cell reactions for the above cell notation follows:

Oxidation half reaction:  $Mg_{(s)}\rightarrow Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}+2e^-$

Reduction half reaction:  $Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}+2e^-\rightarrow Cu_{(s)}$

The overall redox reaction is:-

$Mg_{(s)}+Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}\rightarrow Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}+Cu_{(s)}$