Mg + Pb\(^{2+}\) → Mg\(^{2+}\) + Pb What is the cell notation for the cell reaction above?

Answer Details

The cell notation (also called line notation) for an electrochemical cell follows the convention:

Anode | Anode ion || Cathode ion | Cathode

where the single vertical line (|) represents a phase boundary, and the double vertical line (||) represents the salt bridge separating the two half-cells.

For the reaction Mg + Pb²⁺ → Mg²⁺ + Pb:

• Anode (oxidation): Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e^-. Magnesium is oxidized, so it is the anode.
• Cathode (reduction): Pb²⁺ + 2e^- → Pb. Lead ions are reduced, so lead is the cathode.

Applying the convention:

Mg | Mg²⁺ || Pb²⁺ | Pb

Using the notation in the options (where I = | and II = ||), this is written as Mg|Mg²⁺||Pb²⁺|Pb.

The anode always appears on the left and the cathode on the right. Within each half-cell, the metal (solid phase) is written adjacent to the outer edge, and the ion (aqueous phase) is written adjacent to the salt bridge.