Cells and Batteries

Part of the Oxidation and Reduction section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 23 of 27.

A cell turns a spontaneous redox reaction into electricity: the electrons go through a wire.

Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻

Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu

Electrons flow from the more reactive metal. Metals further apart in the series give a higher voltage.

Challenge

In a Daniell cell, zinc in zinc sulfate and copper in copper sulfate are joined by a wire: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu. Name the element oxidized, and choose the reducing agent.

Try it yourself

Oxidation numbersFollow the electrons

ZnCu²⁺Zn²⁺Cu

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Oxidation and Reduction

1Electron Transfer

What Is Oxidation Oxidation Numbers Rules for Oxidation Numbers Oxidation Numbers in Ions Recap - Number Painter

4Metals and Reactivity

The Reactivity Series Displacement Reactions Metals and Acids Corrosion and Rust Recap - Metal Contest

2Redox Reactions

Spotting Redox Oxidizing Agents Reducing Agents Electrons Passed Recap - Who Gave Electrons

5Electrochemistry

Electrolysis Electrolysis of MeltsCells and BatteriesRecap - Smelter

3Half-Equations

Writing Half-Equations Balancing with Electrons Half-Equations in Acid Combining Half-Equations Recap - Permanganate

6Practice Problems

Recap - Bleach and Iodide Recap - Copper and Silver Recap - Bromine Redox