Consider the line notation of a galvanic cell describe Mg(s)|Mg2+(aq)||Al3+|Al(s)
Sketch the galvanic cell based on the above half reaction and show the direction of the electrons and identify the cathode and the anode
In the given galvanic cell, the half-cell reactions are:
Cathode: Al3+ + 3e- -> Al(s)
Anode: Mg(s) -> Mg2+ + 2e-
The line notation can be represented as:
Mg(s) | Mg2+(aq) || Al3+(aq) | Al(s)
To sketch the galvanic cell:
1. Place a beaker with Mg metal electrode on the left side and connect it with a wire to the right side.
2. Inside the beaker, Mg metal is immersed in a solution containing Mg2+ ions.
3. Place another beaker with Al metal electrode on the right side and connect it with a wire to the left side.
4. Inside the beaker, Al metal is immersed in a solution containing Al3+ ions.
5. Join the two solutions using a salt bridge or porous barrier to allow ion flow between the two half-cells.
The direction of the electrons flow is from the anode to the cathode. In this case, electrons flow from the Mg electrode (anode) to the Al electrode (cathode).
So, the anode is the Mg(s) electrode and the cathode is the Al(s) electrode in this galvanic cell system.