Questions: A galvanic cell is powered by the following redox reaction:
Zn^2+(aq) + H2(g) + 2 OH^-(aq) → Zn(s) + 2 H2O(l)
Answer the following questions about this cell. If you need any electrochemical data, be sure you get it from the ALEKS Data tab.
Write a balanced equation for the half-reaction that takes place at the cathode.
Transcript text: A galvanic cell is powered by the following redox reaction:
\[
\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(a q)+\mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+2 \mathrm{OH}^{-}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}(s)+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)
\]
Answer the following questions about this cell. If you need any electrochemical data, be sure you get it from the ALEKS Data tab.
\begin{tabular}{|l|l|}
\hline \begin{tabular}{l}
Write a balanced equation for \\
the half-reaction that takes \\
place at the cathode.
\end{tabular} & \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Redox Reaction Components
The given redox reaction is:
\[
\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + \mathrm{H}_{2}(g) + 2 \mathrm{OH}^{-}(aq) \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}(s) + 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)
\]
In a galvanic cell, the cathode is where the reduction occurs. We need to identify which species is being reduced.
Step 2: Determine the Reduction Half-Reaction
In the given reaction, the species that can undergo reduction is \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(aq)\), which is reduced to \(\mathrm{Zn}(s)\).
The reduction half-reaction is:
\[
\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}(s)
\]
Final Answer
The balanced equation for the half-reaction that takes place at the cathode is:
\[
\boxed{\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}(s)}
\]