Consider a galvanic cell that uses the following half-reactions: (b) What is the oxidizing agent, and what is the reducing agent?.

Key Concepts

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. In a redox reaction, one species is oxidized and another is reduced, which is essential for understanding the roles of different agents in a galvanic cell.

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidized, meaning it gains electrons itself. Conversely, a reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another, causing that substance to be reduced. Identifying these agents in a galvanic cell is crucial for understanding the flow of electrons and the overall cell reaction.

Galvanic Cell Function

A galvanic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions. It consists of two half-cells, each containing an electrode and an electrolyte. The flow of electrons from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent through an external circuit generates electric current, making it important to identify the agents involved in the half-reactions.