Chapter 13: Problem 11
For the following cells, write the half-reactions occurring at each electrode and the complete cell reaction, and calculate the cell potential: (a) \(\mathrm{Pt}, \mathrm{H}_{2}(0.2 \mathrm{~atm})|\mathrm{HCl}(0.5 \mathrm{M})| \mathrm{Cl}_{2}(0.2 \mathrm{~atm}), \mathrm{Pt}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Pt} \mid \mathrm{Fe}^{2+}(0.005 \mathrm{M}), \mathrm{Fe}^{3+}(0.05 \mathrm{M}), \mathrm{HClO}_{4}(0.1 \mathrm{M}) \| \mathrm{HClO}_{4}(0.1 \mathrm{M}), \mathrm{VO}_{2}^{+}\) \((0.001 M), \mathrm{VO}^{2+}(0.002) M \mid \mathrm{Pt}\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify Reduction and Oxidation Reactions for Cell (a)
Write Complete Cell Reaction for Cell (a)
Calculate Cell Potential for Cell (a)
Identify Half-Reactions for Cell (b)
Write Complete Cell Reaction for Cell (b)
Calculate Cell Potential for Cell (b)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Half-Reactions
The anode is where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction takes place. For example, in one of the problems given:
- The oxidation half-reaction on the anode involves hydrogen gas (\[ \mathrm{H}_2(g) \rightarrow 2\mathrm{H}^+(aq) + 2e^- \]), which releases electrons.
- Meanwhile, the reduction half-reaction at the cathode involves the gain of electrons by chlorine gas (\[ \mathrm{Cl}_2(g) + 2e^- \rightarrow 2\mathrm{Cl}^- (aq) \]).
Cell Potential
The potential is determined by comparing the standard electrode potentials of the half-reactions at the cathode and anode.
In short, the equation given by:
- \[ E_{cell} = E_{cathode}^0 - E_{anode}^0 \].
- The potential for reduction at the cathode (\( \mathrm{Cl}_2(g) \)) was +1.36 V.
- The potential for oxidation at the anode (\( \mathrm{H}_2(g) \)) was 0.00 V.
Nernst Equation
This equation is:
- \[ E = E^0 - \frac{RT}{nF} \ln Q \],
By using the Nernst equation, you can determine the actual cell potential under specific conditions, reflecting how real-world environments might influence a cell's voltage.
Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
These reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one species to another.
- Oxidation occurs at the anode, where a species loses electrons. For instance, in the reactions given, hydrogen gas underwent oxidation: \[ \mathrm{H}_2(g) \rightarrow 2\mathrm{H}^+(aq) + 2e^- \].
- Reduction takes place at the cathode, where a species gains electrons. For example, chlorine gas was reduced in the cell reaction: \[ \mathrm{Cl}_2(g) + 2e^- \rightarrow 2\mathrm{Cl}^- (aq) \].
In understanding these reactions, you essentially follow the electrons' journey through the cell, which is crucial for grasping how energy is harnessed in technology, such as batteries and fuel cells.