Consider the following representation of a voltaic cell. This voltaic cell is represented by the following reaction: Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Cu(s) + Mg²⁺(aq)
What is the identity of the "Metal" shown in the diagram?

Question

Consider the following representation of a voltaic cell.

This voltaic cell is represented by the following reaction: Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Cu(s) + Mg²⁺(aq)
What is the identity of the "Metal" shown in the diagram?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The metal shown in the diagram is Mg, as it is shown as a solid electrode in the left half-cell, and is oxidized to Mg2+ ions. The other half-cell, with the Cu(s) electrode, represents the reduction of Cu2+ ions to metallic Cu at the cathode. The Mg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ solutions are electrolytes used to complete the circuit and allow for the flow of electrons.

Consider the Following Representation of a Voltaic Cell