Question

Write a balanced equation for the cell reaction of the following cell. (use the lowest possible whole number coefficients.) mn(s) | mN₂ (aq) || cu2 (aq) | cu(s)

Answer 1

To balance the equation for the galvanic cell reaction Mn(s) | Mn2+ (aq) || Cu2+ (aq) | Cu(s), we identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions, then combine them, resulting in the balanced equation: Mn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + Cu(s).

Step-by-step explanation:

To write a balanced equation for the cell reaction of the galvanic cell represented by Mn(s) | Mn2+ (aq) || Cu2+ (aq) | Cu(s), we need to identify the anode and cathode reactions and then combine them. First, we identify the oxidation reaction at the anode and the reduction reaction at the cathode:

• Oxidation (Anode): Mn(s) → Mn2+(aq) + 2e−
• Reduction (Cathode): Cu2+(aq) + 2e− → Cu(s)

Now, combine these half-reactions ensuring that the electrons are balanced:

Mn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

Since the electrons in both half-reactions cancel each other out, the balanced equation for the cell reaction is as written above with all coefficients being 1, fulfilling the lowest possible whole number coefficients requirement.