Between Mg and Zn which one is the anode and which one is the cathode?
And between Mg and Fe which one is the anode and which one is the cathode?
Please and thank you. im so stuck. :/
To determine which metal is the anode and which is the cathode in these pairings, you need to consider their standard reduction potentials (E°) values. The metal with the more negative reduction potential will be the anode, and the one with the less negative reduction potential will be the cathode.
1. Mg and Zn:
To find the standard reduction potential for each metal, you can refer to a standard reduction potential table. Let's assume we have the following values:
Mg: -2.37 V
Zn: -0.76 V
In this case, Mg has a more negative standard reduction potential than Zn. Therefore, Mg will be the anode, and Zn will be the cathode.
2. Mg and Fe:
Again, let's assume the standard reduction potentials for these metals are:
Mg: -2.37 V
Fe: -0.44 V
In this case, Mg still has a more negative standard reduction potential than Fe. Therefore, Mg will be the anode, and Fe will be the cathode.
Remember that the anode is where oxidation occurs (loses electrons), and the cathode is where reduction occurs (gains electrons) in an electrochemical cell or a reaction.