Construction of zn-cu galvanic cell
A Zn-Cu galvanic cell can be constructed using the following steps:
Materials required:
1. Zinc strip
2. Copper strip
3. Copper wire
4. Salt bridge
5. Electrolyte solution (such as CuSO4)
6. Two beakers or jars
Procedure:
1. In one of the beakers or jars, prepare an electrolyte solution by dissolving CuSO4 in water.
2. Connect the copper wire to the copper strip and the other end to the positive terminal of a voltmeter.
3. Connect the zinc strip to the negative terminal of the voltmeter.
4. Place the copper and zinc strips in separate jars or beakers.
5. Connect the two jars/beakers with a salt bridge that has been soaked in the electrolyte solution to complete the circuit.
6. Wait a few minutes for the cell to stabilize and observe the voltage on the voltmeter.
The Zn-Cu galvanic cell produces a voltage due to the difference in potential between the two metals. The zinc, being more reactive than copper, dissolves and loses electrons (oxidation) to the electrolyte solution, while the copper ions in the solution gain electrons (reduction) and plate onto the copper strip. This results in a flow of electrons through the external circuit, generating a current and voltage.