Re: Why do Cu atoms in a cathode accept electrons if they are neutrally charged

Hi Andrew,

Obviously you are talking about the Daniell cell, where you have Zinc in a solution of a zinc salt and connected copper cathode in a solution of a copper salt. You are correct that something like negatively charged copper doesn't exist! It takes the electrons and just conducts them - as every metal does!

Here's how the cell works: Copper is "noble" and wants to exist as a metal. Zinc is not so noble and wants to exist as an ion in solution. So what happens: Zinc goes from metal in solution - as Zn+. It gives an electron - that electron is conducted to the copper electrode. What happens there? A Cu+ from the solution takes it - and is as uncharged Cu on the electrode. You see the consequence: The Zn electrode vanishes, the Cu electrode grows ... :) It really happens.

If you want a picture, check the link

http://www.howstuffworks.com/battery.htm.

It's quite an understandable explanation, or:

http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/interact/longterm/horizon/010897/phenom.htm

At this site you can also find instructions to build your own batteries as well as a lot of links.

By the way: if you don't know what to do after High School, study chemistry! It could be the right choice for you.

Bye,
Andreas