Introduction to Galvanic Cells – Direct Electron Transfer

Question 1

What do Galvanic cells do?

Answer 1

Galvanic cells convert chemical energy to electrical energy through a spontaneous electrochemical process. Electrons readily move from a good reducing agent (i.e., something readily oxidised) to a good oxidising agent (i.e., something readily reduced).

Question 2

A simple example can be seen when placing a strip of Zn metal into a solution of Cu2+ ions. A spontaneous transfer of electrons takes place between the Zn metal
and the Cu2+ ions as seen in the equations below:

Answer 2

Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) —> Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)

Question 3

What would happen if you were to place a piece of copper metal into a solution of Zn2+ ions?

Answer 3

No reaction would take place.