Question

Consider the Zn(s) + Cu+2(aq) Zn+2(aq) + Cu(s) system.

Which element was the electron donor?

Answer 1

Which element was the electron acceptor?

Answer 2

Consider the Zn(s) + Cu+2(aq) Zn+2(aq) + Cu(s) system.

Which element must be more willing to give up electrons?

Answer 3

And how do I figure all of this out? Thanks!

Answer 4

For the first question, I suggest you to split into half reactions, do you know what's half reaction?

Answer 5

No I don't thinks so.

Answer 6

This
\[Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+}+2e^{-} \]
\[Cu^{2+}+2e^{-} \rightarrow Cu\]

Answer 7

How did you get that? I am lost...

Answer 8

Look here
\[\Large \color{blue}{Zn_{(s)}} + \color{red}{Cu^{+2}_{(aq)}} \rightarrow \color{blue}{Zn^{+2}_{(aq)}} + \color{red}{Cu_{(s)}}\]
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There are 2 different elements so you can break this into half reactions by splitting them up like this
\[\Large Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+} \\ \\ \Large Cu^{2+} \rightarrow Cu\]
Then, we have to balance our half reactions because the charges are not equal, do that by adding electrons, so you get
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\[\Large Zn \rightarrow Zn^{\color{orange}{2+}}+\color{orange}{2e^{-}}\]
and
\[\Large Cu^{\color{orange}{2+}}+\color{orange}{2e^{-}} \rightarrow Cu\]

Answer 9

Oh! Ok, I get that. What do you do once you have half reactions?

Answer 10

Well you can directly see that the ones that releases electrons are zinc, and copper is receiving electrons to from solid copper

Answer 11

I think I understand!! Thank you so much. :)

Answer 12

yw :)