Answer:
Zinc:
- anode
- loses mass
Copper:
- cathode
- gains mass
Explanation:
Assuming you are referring to the reaction of: Zn(s) + Cu^2+(aq) --> Zn^2(aq) + Cu(s) **refer to image attached below for better visual**
Step 1: look to see what is being consumed/produced in reaction
- solid zinc is being consumed as it goes from 'Zn' on the reaction side to 'Zn^2+' on product side
- solid copper is being produced as is goes from 'Cu^2+' on the reactant side to 'Cu' on the product side
Note: this means that zinc loses mass, and copper gains mass
Step 2: look to see the loss/gain of electrons
we can see that in the overall reaction, we lose electrons to form 'Zn^2+' and gain electrons to form 'Cu'
Step 3: use the above steps to help clarity trends of 'oxidation'/'reduction'
Oxidation trends:
- loss of electrons
- occurs at the anode
Reduction trends:
- gain of electrons
- occurs at cathode
Step 4: apply all the information above to describe the electrodes in the iron-copper galavnic cell
Zinc
- anode
- loses mass
Copper
- cathode
- gains mass
