If one electrode in a galvanic cell is made of zinc (Zn) and one is made of silver (Ag), which metal would be the cathode and which would be the anode? Explain your answer.

Zn is the anode.

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In a galvanic cell, the metal that is being reduced (gaining electrons) and where reduction occurs is considered the cathode, while the metal that is being oxidized (losing electrons) and where oxidation occurs is considered the anode.

In this case, zinc (Zn) is more reactive than silver (Ag) on the activity series of metals. This means that zinc has a higher tendency to lose electrons compared to silver. So, zinc would be the metal that is being oxidized and would serve as the anode.

On the other hand, since silver is less reactive and has a lower tendency to lose electrons, it would be the metal that is reduced and would serve as the cathode.

Therefore, the zinc electrode would be the anode and the silver electrode would be the cathode in this galvanic cell.

To determine which metal would be the cathode and which would be the anode, we need to understand the principles of galvanic cells.

In a galvanic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode, while reduction occurs at the cathode. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons.

In this case, zinc (Zn) and silver (Ag) are the two metals involved. We need to determine which metal is more likely to undergo oxidation or reduction.

Zinc is more reactive than silver. It readily loses electrons to form Zn2+ ions in a solution. This means that zinc is more likely to undergo oxidation. Therefore, zinc would be the anode in this galvanic cell.

On the other hand, silver is less reactive and is more likely to gain electrons. It is capable of undergoing reduction by accepting electrons to form Ag atoms. Therefore, silver would be the cathode in this galvanic cell.

To summarize:
- Zinc (Zn) would be the anode because it is more reactive and prone to oxidation.
- Silver (Ag) would be the cathode because it is less reactive and more likely to undergo reduction.

Remember, this determination is based on the reactivity of metals and their tendency to lose or gain electrons in a galvanic cell.