Step 1. Use Rules 1–7 to assign oxidation states to the atoms and ions in the reaction

Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu

Step 2. Now answer the following questions:

(a) Is this a redox reaction? How can you tell?

(b) If so, what was oxidized?

(c) If so, what was reduced?

(d) If so, what was the oxidizing agent?

(e) If so, what was the reducing agent?

Without a doubt, electrons are transferred from Zn to Cu²⁺ in this reaction. Now let’s harness some electricity from this redox reaction.