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Electrochemistry & Redox

Daniell Cell

The classic galvanic cell consisting of a zinc electrode in zinc sulfate and a copper electrode in copper sulfate.

Formula / equation Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu, E° = 1.10 V
Unit V

In depth

Zinc, being the more reactive metal, dissolves at the anode while copper deposits at the cathode, and a salt bridge or porous pot keeps the solutions from mixing while completing the circuit. Its steady voltage made it the standard power source for early telegraph systems.

Examples in the real world

The blue copper sulfate solution fading as the zinc electrode visibly corrodes over time.