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In a zinc-copper cell, zinc gives up electrons, forming the negative terminal of the cell, and the electrons flows as electric current through wires. When the electrons reach the other positive terminal, electrolysis of the electrolyte takes place at the positive terminal. Hydrogen ions and the cation of the electrolyte will be attracted to the positive Copper electrode. The hydrogen ions, being less reactive than the cation ions, will take up the electrons on the copper electrode, forming hydrogen gas.

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In a Zn-Cu cell, zinc is more reactive than copper. When the cell operates, zinc atoms lose electrons at the anode (Zn electrode) to form Zn2+ ions. These electrons flow through the external circuit to the cathode (Cu electrode) where they are used to reduce Cu2+ ions back to copper atoms, liberating hydrogen gas as a byproduct at the Cu electrode.

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Q: Why does hydrogen gas liberate at Cu electrode in Zn-Cu cell?
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Is anode a negative electrode of hydrogen - oxygen fuel cell?

No, the anode is the positive electrode in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. At the anode, hydrogen gas is oxidized to produce protons and electrons. The electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen and the protons to form water.


In a wet cell electrons move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode?

In a wet cell, such as a battery, the negative electrode is where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons. These electrons flow through an external circuit to the positive electrode. At the positive electrode, reduction occurs, and electrons are accepted back, completing the circuit.


How do scientists measure the standard reduction potential of a half cell?

Scientists typically use a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) as a reference electrode to measure the standard reduction potential of a half-cell. The half-cell under study is connected to the SHE through a salt bridge, and the cell potential is measured using a voltmeter. By comparing the potential of the half-cell with that of the SHE at standard conditions (1 M concentration and 25 degrees Celsius), the standard reduction potential of the half-cell can be determined.


What do you call the electrode connected to negative terminal of a cell?

The electrode connected to the negative terminal of a cell is called the cathode.


What are the two gases used to produce electricity in fuel cells?

The two gases used to produce electricity in fuel cells are hydrogen (H2) as the fuel and oxygen (O2) as the oxidant. In a fuel cell, hydrogen is fed to the anode (negative electrode) and oxygen is supplied to the cathode (positive electrode), where they react to produce water, heat, and electricity through an electrochemical process called the oxidation-reduction reaction.

Related questions

Why is standard hydrogen electrode called reversible electrode?

Depending on the other cell used, it can turn H+ ions into hydrogen gas, or it can turn hydrogen gas into H+ ions. Thus it is reversible.


Why the standard potential of standard hydrogen electrode is taken as zero?

The standard potential of the standard hydrogen electrode is chosen as zero for convenience and to simplify the comparison of electrode potentials. This allows for a consistent reference point to measure the potential of other half-cells in a standard electrochemical cell. It also simplifies calculations and standardizes measurements in electrochemistry.


Why is graphite used as an electroed in dry cells?

Dry cell graphite electrode when treated with permanganate can be used as a hydrogen ion sensor. where activated dry cell graphite electrode seem to be suitable as potentiometric indicator electrodes. :)


What is the purpose of the reference electrode?

A reference electrode is an electrode with a well-known electrode potential. Its main function is to serve as a half cell to build an electrochemical cell.


How do hydrogen cell work?

The hydrogen fuel cell operates similar to a battery. It has two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by a membrane. Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other.The hydrogen reacts to a catalyst on the electrode anode that converts the hydrogen gas into negatively charged electrons (e-) and positively charged ions.The electrons flow out of the cell to be used as electrical energy. The hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode electrode where they combine with oxygen and the electrons to produce water. Unlike batteries, fuel cells never run out. In principle, a fuel cell operates like a battery. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. It will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.


In a wet cell electrons move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode?

In a wet cell, such as a battery, the negative electrode is where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons. These electrons flow through an external circuit to the positive electrode. At the positive electrode, reduction occurs, and electrons are accepted back, completing the circuit.


Difference between reference electrode and indicator electrode?

A reference electrode is used to establish a stable electrochemical potential for comparison within a measurement system, while an indicator electrode is used to respond to changes in the analyte concentration being measured. Reference electrodes provide a fixed potential, whereas indicator electrodes change their potential in response to the analyte's concentration.


How do fuel cell works?

The hydrogen fuel cell operates similar to a battery. It has two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by a membrane. Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other.The hydrogen reacts to a catalyst on the electrode anode that converts the hydrogen gas into negatively charged electrons (e-) and positively charged ions.The electrons flow out of the cell to be used as electrical energy. The hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode electrode where they combine with oxygen and the electrons to produce water. Unlike batteries, fuel cells never run out. In principle, a fuel cell operates like a battery. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. It will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.


How do hydrogen fuel cells work?

Hydrogen fuel cells work by converting the chemical energy stored in hydrogen gas into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Hydrogen is fed into the anode of the fuel cell, where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons move through an electrolyte while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. The protons and electrons recombine at the cathode with oxygen from the air to form water, the only byproduct of the process.


What is electrode potential-?

Electrode potential is the voltage that an electrode is at. This has to be measured versus a reference electrode


Does hydrogen fuel cells pollute?

No they don't When hydrogen (electrode in the cell) reacts with oxygen ( catalyst in the cell), it's chemical reaction converts the hydrogen gas to negatively charged electrons (-e) and positively charged hydrogen ions (H+). As for the pollution factor, the ONLY Bi-product from hydrogen cells is Water (H2O). I hope you understood all that (as you would need to know how a battery cell works).


Which electrode gets heavier in an electrolytic cell?

The electrode where reduction occurs.