The Zn electrode is chipped in a solution containing ZnSO_4 and gives off electrons. It is therefore?
The chipping of the Zn electrode in ZnSO4 solution indicates that the Zn electrode is undergoing oxidation and giving off electrons, so it is acting as an anode. The reaction occurring at the anode can be represented as:
Zn(s) ā Zn2+(aq) + 2eā
This reaction releases electrons from the Zn electrode, making it an anode.
Based on the information provided, it seems that the Zn electrode is undergoing a redox reaction in the solution containing ZnSO4. The chipping of the Zn electrode and the release of electrons suggest that the Zn electrode is undergoing oxidation, which means it is losing electrons.
In a redox reaction, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. When a substance loses electrons, it is oxidized (called the reducing agent), while the substance gaining those electrons is reduced (called the oxidizing agent). In this case, the Zn electrode is being oxidized, which means it is acting as the reducing agent.
To understand the reaction fully, we need to look at the other half of the reaction. In this case, the ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) solution is likely acting as the oxidizing agent, undergoing reduction. This means that it is gaining the electrons released from the Zn electrode.
To summarize, the Zn electrode is the reducing agent because it is being oxidized and losing electrons in the solution containing ZnSO4. Meanwhile, the ZnSO4 solution acts as the oxidizing agent, being reduced and gaining the electrons released by the Zn electrode.