Question

What is the number of electrons transferred in the following electrochemical reaction: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) -> Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) (Note: the standard reduction potentials of Cu2+(aq)/Cu(s) and Ag+(aq)/Ag(s) are 0.34V and 0.80V, respectively)

Answer 1

In this electrochemical reaction, Cu s  is being oxidized to Cu2+ aq , and Ag+ aq  is being reduced to Ag s .The half-reactions for this process are:Oxidation: Cu s  -> Cu2+ aq  + 2eReduction: 2Ag+ aq  + 2e -> 2Ag s As we can see from the half-reactions, 2 electrons are being transferred in this electrochemical reaction.