Which of the following is the correct cell representation for the given cell reaction ?
`Zn+H_2SO_4 to ZnSO_4 + H_2`

Options

A. `Zn|Zn^(2+)||H^(+) |H_2`
B. `Zn|Zn^(2+)||H^+ , H_2|Pt`
C. `Zn|ZnSO_4||H_2SO_4 |Zn`
D. `Zn|H_2SO_4 ||ZnSO_4 |H_2`

Explanation

To determine the correct cell representation for the given cell reaction \( \text{Zn} + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4 + \text{H}_2 \), we need to follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Oxidation and Reduction
In the reaction, zinc (Zn) is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +2, while hydrogen ions (H\(^+\)) from sulfuric acid (H\(_2\)SO\(_4\)) are reduced from +1 to 0 (forming hydrogen gas, H\(_2\)).

**Hint:** Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons.

### Step 2: Write Half-Reactions
The oxidation half-reaction can be written as:
\[ \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- \]

The reduction half-reaction can be written as:
\[ 2\text{H}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2 \]

**Hint:** Half-reactions help in understanding the electron transfer process in the overall reaction.

### Step 3: Determine the Cell Representation Format
In electrochemical cells, the standard notation is:
- Anode (oxidation) on the left
- Cathode (reduction) on the right
- Phase boundaries are represented by a vertical line (|), and different species in the same phase are separated by a comma.

**Hint:** Remember the order: Anode | Anode solution || Cathode solution | Cathode.

### Step 4: Construct the Cell Representation
For this reaction:
- The anode is where zinc is oxidized: \( \text{Zn} | \text{Zn}^{2+} \)
- The cathode is where hydrogen ions are reduced: \( \text{H}^+ | \text{H}_2 \)

Thus, the complete cell representation becomes:
\[ \text{Zn} | \text{Zn}^{2+} || \text{H}^+ | \text{H}_2 \]

**Hint:** Make sure to use the double vertical line (||) to separate the two half-cells.

### Final Answer
The correct cell representation for the given cell reaction is:
\[ \text{Zn} | \text{Zn}^{2+} || \text{H}^+ | \text{H}_2 \]