The cell notation convention places the anode on the left and the cathode on the right, separated by a double vertical line representing the salt bridge. A single vertical line represents a phase boundary (solid|aqueous).

The reaction involves:

• Oxidation (anode, left side): Mg is oxidized to Mg²⁺ Mg → Mg\(^{2+}\) + 2e\(^-\). This is represented as Mg l Mg\(^{2+}\)
• Reduction (cathode, right side): Pb²⁺ is reduced to Pb, Pb\(^{2+}\) + 2e\(^-\) → Pb . This is represented as Pb\(^{2+}\) l Pb
• The complete notation is Mg l Mg\(^{2+}\) ll Pb\(^{2+}\) l Pb