A platinum wire is in contact with a mixture of mercury and solid mercury

(I) chloride (Hg₂Cl₂) in a beaker containing 1 M KCl solution. A salt bridge connects this half cell to a beaker that contains a copper electrode immersed in 1 M CuSO₄ solution. Voltage measurements show that the copper electrode is positive.

(a) Write balanced half-reactions for the two electrodes.

(b) Write the equation for the spontaneous cell reaction.

(c) In which direction do electrons flow in the external circuit?

(d) Would direct reaction occur if both the Hg/Hg₂Cl₂

and copper electrodes were placed in a container holding an aqueous solution that is 1 M CuSO₄ and 1 M KCl?