The magnesium/copper cell 1

A metal higher up in the electrochemical series can displace a metal lower down,
e.g. magnesium displaces copper (ions) from copper sulphate solution.
2+ 2+
Mg (s) + Cu (aq) Mg (aq) + Cu (s)
In a displacement reaction, electrons are transferred from the atoms of a metal higher up in
the electrochemical series to ions (in solution) of a metal lower in the series, e.g. from
magnesium atoms to copper ions.
2+ -
Mg (s) Mg (aq) + 2e
2+ -
Cu (aq) + 2e Cu (s)
In a test tube reaction, the transfer of electrons cannot be put to use. However, in a cell the
flow of electrons that results from the reactions can be used as a source of electricity.

The magnesium/copper cell consists of two electrodes coupled together by connecting

wires. A meter can be used to show the direction of electron flow. The two electrodes are
also linked by means of a salt bridge. The purpose of the salt bridge is to complete the
circuit.

Magnesium is higher up than copper in the electrochemical series so magnesium atoms give
electrons to the copper ions.
meter

magnesium ribbon salt bridge strip of copper

magnesium ions copper ions

2+ 2+
Mg (aq) Cu (aq)

Add an arrow to the diagram to show the direction of electron flow through the
meter.
Now add labels to the diagram to show the electrode at which oxidation is taking
place at which reduction is taking place.

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The magnesium/copper cell 2
Magnesium atoms from the metal form magnesium ions that go into solution.
2+ -
Mg (s) Mg (aq) + 2e

The mass of the magnesium electrode will decrease as a result.

Copper ions in solution react to form copper atoms that appear as a solid.
2+ -
Cu (aq) + 2e Cu (s)
The mass of the copper electrode will increase as a result.

What happens at the magnesium electrode?

What happens at the copper electrode?

Name the particles moving through the wires and the meter moving
through the salt bridge.

wires and meter salt bridge

Each of the pairs of metals in the table is used to make a cell with solutions of the
metal ions.
Use the electrochemical series to indicate the direction of electron flow.

Direction of electron flow

copper/gold

iron/silver

aluminium/zinc

lead/tin

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