A strip of solid zinc, \(\text{Zn}(s)\), is immersed in an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate, \(\text{CuSO}_4(aq)\). A single-displacement oxidation-reduction reaction occurs at the surface of the metal according to the following net ionic equation:

\[ \text{Zn}(s) + \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + \text{Cu}(s) \]

The diagram below represents a microscopic cross section of the interface between the metal strip and the solution during the reaction.

Which of the following statements correctly identifies the species being oxidized and provides the correct particulate-level justification supported by the diagram?