Consider the following image, showing on the atomic level, the reaction occurring when a Zn wire is placed in a copper(II) nitrate solution. Which of the following correctly describes the image?

Question

Consider the following image, showing on the atomic level, the reaction occurring when a Zn wire is placed in a copper(II) nitrate solution.  Which of the following correctly describes the image?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the image, the Zn atoms are losing electrons to form Zn2+ ions, which indicates that zinc is being oxidized. At the same time, Cu2+ ions in the solution are gaining electrons to form Cu atoms, which indicates that copper is being reduced. Therefore, both A and B are correct statements. Additionally, since zinc is losing electrons, it is giving them to the copper ions, which makes it the reducing agent. Therefore, C is also a correct statement. Hence, D is the best choice.

Consider the Following Image, Showing on the Atomic Level, the Reaction