Question

The cell reaction
`Zn(s)+2Ag^(+)(aq)rarrZn^(2+)(aq)+Ag(s)`
is best represented by
A. `Ag|Ag^(+)||Zn|Zn^(2+)`
B. `Zn|Zn^(2+)||Ag^(+)|Ag`
C. `2Ag|Ag^(+)||Zn|Zn^(2+)`
D. `Zn|Zn^(2+)||2Ag|Ag^(+)`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - B
For the cell reaction
`Zn(s)+2Ag^(+)(aq)rarr2Ag(s)+Zn^(2+)(aq)`
The two half cell reactions are
`Zn(s)rarrZn^(2+)(aq)+2e^(-)`
`Ag^(+)(aq)+e^(-)rarrAg(s)xx2`
`Zn(s)+2Ag(aq)rarrZn^(2+)+2Ag(s)`
Therefore Zn is oxidised and as such acts as -ve electrode or anode. `Ag^(+)` ions get reduced as such Ag electrode acts as cathode or _ve electrode. Therefore cell representation is
`Zn|Zn^(2+)||Ag^(+)|Ag`