Question

In the diagram, if electrons flow from the right half-cell to the left one through the wire, which statement is true?

The activities of both metal strips are equal.


The metal strip on the left has a lower activity than the one on the right.


The metal strip on the right has a lower activity than the one on the left.

Answer 1

Well since the type of metal the half-cells are made of aren't specified, we'd have to infer which half-cell has a higher or lower activity.

This is simple enough to do, it was specified that electrons flow from the right half-cell to the left half-cell, indicating that the half-cell on the right is being oxidized. In order for that to happen, the half-cell on the right MUST be higher on the activity series than the half-cell on the left.

In essence, for oxidation to occur most effectively, the half-cell on the right has to have a higher activity than the half-cell on the left (which is where reduction occurs).

The second statement is true.

Answer 2

oh