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Calculate the standard emf of a cell that uses the \(\mathrm{Mg} / \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) and \(\mathrm{Cu} / \mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) half-cell reactions at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C} .\) Write the equation for the cell reaction that occurs under standard-state conditions.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The standard emf of the cell is 2.71V and the cell reaction under standard conditions is \(Mg + Cu^{2+} → Mg^{2+} + Cu\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Half-Reactions

The given half-cell reactions are Mg/Mg2+ and Cu/Cu2+. The standard reduction potentials for these reactions from the standard reduction potential table are as follows: \n\n\(Mg^{2+} + 2e^- → Mg \, E° = -2.37 \, V\)\n\(Cu^{2+} + 2e^- → Cu \, E° = +0.34 \, V\)
02

Write the Cell Reaction and Calculate the Standard Cell Potential

An oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction consists of two half-reactions, one for oxidation and one for reduction. In this case, magnesium (Mg) undergoes oxidation to form Mg2+, and copper ions (Cu2+) undergo reduction to form copper (Cu). Therefore, the half-reactions can be written as follows:\n\nOxidation: \(Mg → Mg^{2+} + 2e^-\) \nReduction: \(Cu^{2+} + 2e^- → Cu\) \n\nThese can be added to give the overall cell reaction:\n\n\(Mg + Cu^{2+} → Mg^{2+} + Cu\) \n\nThe standard cell potential (\(E^{°}_{cell}\)) is the difference between the standard reduction potentials of the cathode and anode. Since the Cu2+/Cu half-cell acts as the cathode (where reduction occurs) and the Mg/Mg2+ half-cell acts as the anode (where oxidation occurs), \(E^{°}_{cell}\) can be calculated as follows:\n\n\(E^{°}_{cell} = E^{°}_{cathode} - E^{°}_{anode} = 0.34V - (-2.37V) = 2.71V\)
03

Final Simplified Answer

The standard emf of the cell is calculated to be 2.71V. The cell reaction that occurs under standard-state conditions is \(Mg + Cu^{2+} → Mg^{2+} + Cu\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Half-cell reactions
In electrochemistry, a half-cell is part of the whole electrochemical cell. A half-cell contains a conductive electrode and a surrounding conductive electrolyte. This setup allows for the exchange of ions that participate in the redox reaction. When dealing with half-cell reactions, understanding these components is crucial. Each half-cell undergoes either an oxidation reaction, where electrons are lost, or a reduction reaction, where electrons are gained.

In the original problem, we have two half-cell reactions:
  • The magnesium (\(\mathrm{Mg}/\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\)) half-reaction: which involves oxidation, as magnesium turns into magnesium ions by losing electrons.
  • The copper (\(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}/\mathrm{Cu}\)) half-reaction: which involves reduction, as copper ions gain electrons to turn back into solid copper.
These separate processes are crucial building blocks for constructing the full cell reaction and determining the cell potential.
Reduction potential
Reduction potential, often given the symbol \(E^°\), is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and be reduced. Each species has its own standard reduction potential, and these potentials can be found in a table of standard reduction potentials.

In electrochemical cells, the half-cells are connected and the species with the higher reduction potential acts as the cathode (reduction occurs here), while the one with the lower reduction potential acts as the anode (oxidation occurs here).

For our example:
  • The standard reduction potential for \(Cu^{2+} + 2e^− → Cu\) is \( +0.34 \, V\).
  • The standard reduction potential for \(Mg^{2+} + 2e^− → Mg\) is \( -2.37 \, V\).
The difference between these values helps determine the standard emf of the cell. In the example given, the magnesium reaction has a lower potential, meaning it's more inclined to lose electrons and act as an anode.
Oxidation-reduction reaction
An oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction is a chemical process involving the transfer of electrons between two species. This reaction is divided into two half-reactions - one that involves oxidation and the other that involves reduction. It's a fundamental concept in electrochemistry, as redox reactions are what drive the flow of electric current in these systems.

In the case provided:
  • Oxidation occurs when magnesium (\(Mg\)) is converted into magnesium ions (\(Mg^{2+}\)), releasing electrons into the external circuit.
  • Reduction occurs when copper ions (\(Cu^{2+}\)) gain electrons and form copper (\(Cu\)).
This simultaneous process of electron transfer is what powers the electrochemical cell.

In summary, the redox reaction for the entire cell we are analyzing is represented as: \(Mg + Cu^{2+} → Mg^{2+} + Cu\). The resultant movement of electrons is why current flows, generating an emf of \(2.71 \, V\) for this specific cell.

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