Cu(s) + 2AgNO; (ag) - › Cu (NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Place oxidation numbers above each atom in the above equation.
This reaction is depicted in a battery in the figure above.
Why is it important to have a liquid for this reaction to occur?
What would happen if the salt bridge was broken (by dropping the battery, for instance)
Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Oxidation numbers:
Cu(s): 0
AgNO3(aq): Ag: +1, N: +5, O: -2
Cu(NO3)2(aq): Cu: +2, N: +5, O: -2
Ag(s): 0
It is important to have a liquid for this reaction to occur because it allows the ions to move and be transported between the electrode compartments. In this case, the dissolved ions in the AgNO3 solution can move towards the Cu electrode, while the dissolved ions in the Cu(NO3)2 solution can move towards the Ag electrode, enabling the transfer of electrons and the generation of an electric current.
If the salt bridge were broken, the flow of ions between the two electrode compartments would be disrupted. This would prevent the balancing of charges, resulting in the accumulation of positive charges in one electrode compartment and negative charges in the other. As a result, the reaction would eventually come to a halt as the charge imbalance would prevent further electron transfer. Additionally, without the salt bridge, the build-up of positive charges in the anode compartment and negative charges in the cathode compartment would create an unfavorable environment for the reaction to continue.