When writing cell diagram. The oxidation specie is written to the left followed by a double line indicating the salt bridge and the reduction specie is written to the right side.
From the equation Mg = Mg2+ that is an increase from 0 to +2 oxidation state, which implies Mg is the oxidize specie
Cu2+ = Cu. that is a decrease from +2 to 0 oxidation state which implies Cu is reduced.
Cell diagram becomes
Zn/Zn2+//Cu2+/Cu

The overall reaction in an electrochemical cell is \(Mg_{(s)} + Cu^{2+}_{(aq)} \rightarrow Mg^{2+}_{(aq)} + Cu_{(s)}\). What is the symbolic representation of the cell?

OAU Post UTME

\(Mg_{(s)}/Mg^{2+}_{(aq)} || Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}/Cu_{(s)}\)

\(Mg_{(aq)}/Mg^{2+}_{(s)} || Cu^{2+}_{(s)}/Cu_{(aq)}\)

\(Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}/Cu_{(s)} || Mg_{(s)}/Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}\)

\(Cu_{(s)}/Cu^{2+}_{(aq)} || Mg^{2+}_{(aq)}/Mg_{(s)}\)

Earlier discussion