1
$\begingroup$

someone explained how a zinc copper battery works but there's already something I don't understand in the beginning.

Here is the reaction this person said happens in the battery

$$\ce{Zn + Cu^2+ -> Zn^2+ + Cu}$$

I understand how $\ce{Zn}$ transforms in $\ce{Zn^2+}$ (because it gives electrons to the wire, the $\ce{Zn^2+}$ then goes in the electrolyte) But I don't understand where the $\ce{Cu^2+}$ comes from. I understand that the $\ce{Cu^2+}$ gets electrons from the wire and turns into $Cu$ but the copper electrode that is in the battery is made out of $\ce{Cu}$ not $\ce{Cu^2+}$ so where does it come from?

It comes from the first answer here: https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/247725/why-electrons-flow-through-a-wire-connected-to-a-battery

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Copper ions are mostly floating around in the electrolyte. If you're just talking about a voltaic pile, there's enough oxidized copper around to supply the copper ions. $\endgroup$ – Zhe Dec 18 '16 at 18:27
1
$\begingroup$

We manually put Cu ions on the electrolyte, it then reacts with the excess electrons on the electrode and makes Cu atoms.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.