Hearing aid batteries utilize a zinc/air electrochemical cell. The reduction half-reactions and standard reduction potentials for this cell are given below. What is the oxidizing agent in the cell reaction? Zn(OH)₂(s) + 2e^- $\rightarrow$ Zn(s) + 2OH^-(aq) -1)249 V O₂(g) + 2H₂O( ) + 4e^- $\rightarrow$4OH^-(aq) +0)401 V

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxidizing agent is the species that is being reduced (gaining electrons). In this case, the reduction half-reaction is 2O2- + 2e- --> H2O2, which means that oxygen is being reduced and is therefore the oxidizing agent.

Hearing Aid Batteries Utilize a Zinc/air Electrochemical Cell →\rightarrow→ Zn(s) + 2OH-(aq) -1)249 V O2(g) + 2H2O( )

Hearing Aid Batteries Utilize a Zinc/air Electrochemical Cell $\rightarrow$ Zn(s) + 2OH^-(aq)
-1)249 V
O₂(g) + 2H₂O( )