Question

The salt bridge is to prevent wholesale mixing of the two solutions. assume the bridge is removed and the wholesale mixing of the two solutions occurs: The solutions contains: Zn(s) , Cu(s) , ZnSO4(aq) , CuSO4(aq) a)What value would the voltmeter show? b)There is a reaction. Give an equation and specify where it occurs

Answer 1

Salt bridge prevents the mixing of the electrolytes and maintains electrical neutrality. If the two solutions are mixed together, electrons will no longer flow through the external circuit and the reading on the voltmeter drops to zero.

Now, since the electrolytes are mixed together, CuSO₄ will reach the Zinc electrode. Since zinc is more reactive than the Copper, zinc electrode will be oxidized and copper ions of Copper sulphate will be reduced. The reduced Copper will deposit around the Zinc electrode

The reaction taking place at the Zinc electrode are,

Zn(s) + CuSO₄(aq)       ZnSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)

Answer

a) What value would the voltmeter show?

The voltmeter will show 0 V

b) There is a reaction. Give an equation and specify where it occurs

The reaction is,

Zn(s) + CuSO₄(aq)     ZnSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)

It will take place at the Zinc electrode