Mon Prof Augmenté
Zinc, Copper, and a Glowing Bulb
Age 18 · Chemistry
A spontaneous chemical reaction takes place in two separate beakers. Electrons travel through the outer wire while ions move through the salt bridge to keep the solutions neutral.
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In the picture
- A grey zinc strip in clear solution: it releases electrons and slowly dissolves.
- A copper strip in blue solution: copper ions gain electrons and deposit as reddish-brown metal.
- A U-shaped glass tube filled with gel: it carries ions between the two solutions to balance charge.
- A glowing bulb in the outer wire: electrons flow through it from the zinc strip to the copper strip.
Examples
- A flashlight battery powers a lamp by sending electrons through a circuit.
- A phone battery charges and discharges through separated chemical reactions.
Key takeaways
- Electrons move through the wire, while ions move through the salt bridge.
- Separating the two half-reactions lets the redox reaction drive an electric current.
Quiz: Zinc, Copper, and a Glowing Bulb (Age 18)
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In this cell, which particles move through the outer wire from the zinc strip to the copper strip?
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What is the role of the salt bridge in this cell?
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Why does separating the two half-reactions allow the cell to drive an electric current?
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