Construction of an Electrochemical Cell

Let us use the redox reaction given below to explain the construction of an Electrochemical Cell.

Zn (Solid) + CuSO₄ (Aqueous)   ZnSO₄ (Aqueous) + Cu (Solid)

The ionic form of the reaction is:

Zn + Cu²⁺    Zn²⁺ + Cu

This reaction can be split into the following two half reactions.

1. Oxidation half reaction

Zn  Zn²⁺ + 2e^-

2. Reduction half reaction

Cu²⁺ + 2e^-  Cu