In Daniel cell, oxidation takes place at the anode.
Daniel cell
A Daniell cell is a galvanic cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The cell comprises a copper vessel filled with saturated CuSO4 solution, i.e. depolarizer, and dilutes H2SO4 is filled which acts as an electrolyte. An amalgamated zinc rod is immersed in H2SO4. This rod acts as a negative electrode or cathode. In copper vessels, there is a transparent layer all around just below the upper surface in which CuSO4 crystals are kept in contact with CuSO4 solution. Due to this, the solution always remains saturated.
- The Daniell cell can be conventionally represented as
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
Ion Zn/ZnSO4 half cell, an oxidation reaction occurs.
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e–
Ion Cu/CuSO4 half cell, a reduction reaction occurs.
Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu
The net cell reaction is
Zn + Cu2+ ⇌ Zn2+ + Cu