Consider a galvanic cell in which Al3 is reduced to elemental aluminum, and magnesium metal is oxidized to Mg2 .

Question

Write the balanced half-cell reactions that take place at the cathode and at the anode.

Answer 1

Al³⁺ is reduced (reduction occurs at the cathode), which means it gains electrons:

Al³⁺ + 3e^- → Al

 

Magnesium metal is oxidized (oxidation occurs at the anode), which means it loses electrons:

Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e^-