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Redox and Standard Electrode Potential

Cell EMF and the feasibility of reactions

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on calculating the cell electromotive force from two standard electrode potentials, what a positive value indicates, predicting whether a proposed reaction will occur, why feasibility says nothing about rate, and worked predictions from a table of potentials.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define the EMF of an electrochemical cell.

Key term

State the relationship used to obtain a standard cell EMF from two standard electrode potentials.

Numbers

Calculate E⦵cell for the cell Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) ‖ Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu(s), given values of −0.76 V and +0.34 V.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define the EMF of an electrochemical cell.

    Model answer

    The EMF is the maximum potential difference between the two electrodes, measured when no current is being drawn from the cell.

  2. 2

    State the relationship used to obtain a standard cell EMF from two standard electrode potentials.

    Model answer

    E⦵cell is the standard electrode potential of the right-hand electrode minus that of the left-hand electrode in the cell diagram.

  3. 3

    Calculate E⦵cell for the cell Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) ‖ Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu(s), given values of −0.76 V and +0.34 V.

    Model answer

    E⦵cell = +0.34 − (−0.76) = +1.10 V.

  4. 4

    Calculate the EMF of a cell combining Mg²⁺/Mg at −2.37 V with Ag⁺/Ag at +0.80 V, and name the metal that dissolves.

    Model answer

    The EMF is +0.80 − (−2.37) = +3.17 V, and the magnesium dissolves.

  5. 5

    Calculate the EMF of a cell that combines Fe²⁺/Fe at −0.44 V with Cu²⁺/Cu at +0.34 V.

    Model answer

    The EMF is +0.34 − (−0.44) = +0.78 V.

  6. 6

    What sign of E⦵cell shows that the cell reaction as written is feasible?

    Model answer

    A positive value of E⦵cell shows the reaction is thermodynamically feasible in the direction written.

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