Simple cell sim
The more reactive metal loses electrons more easily, so it dissolves and becomes the negative terminal.
Simple cell · covers the GCSE, IGCSE, O-Level topic
What the sim shows
The more reactive metal loses electrons more easily, so it dissolves and becomes the negative terminal. Its electrons (amber) flow through the wire and the voltmeter to the less reactive metal, where Cu²⁺ ions from the solution gain them and copper is deposited. This is a displacement reaction with its two halves kept apart. The bigger the gap between the two metals in the reactivity series, the bigger the voltage; two identical metals give 0.0 V. Every voltage here is measured against copper, so they subtract: Mg | Pb = 2.6 − 0.4 = 2.2 V. Swapping the leads only changes the sign.
- Positive terminal
- Negative terminal
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