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1. In practice, the path independence of cell potentials is assumed so that we m

ID: 1027853 • Letter: 1

Question

1. In practice, the path independence of cell potentials is assumed so that we may calculate the potentials for net reactions by comparison of each half-reaction's reduction potential when coupled with the standard hydrogen electrode (S.H.E.). The following are reduction potentials versus S.H.E. under standard state conditions. Zn2+ + 2e- Zn Cu2+ + 2e- Cu Ag+ + e- Ag E' =-0.76 V E' = +0.34 V E' = +0.80 V Find the standard state cell potential for a Zn/Zn2t//Cu2 /Cu system. That is, the Zn/1.0 M Zn2+//1.0 M Cu2+/Cu system. 2. Recall that the driving force of a reaction can be altered by the concentrations of reactants and products as illustrated by the use of the equation In this equation, substitute-n78 for G and-n78" for G. Then solve the equation for E in terms of S and an adjustment factor (i.e., derive the general symbolic form of the Nernst equation).

Explanation / Answer

1)

Given E0 of Zn (SRP) = -0.76V

E0 of Cu (SRP) = +0.34V

For the Galvanic cell ,the net reaction is

Zn + Cu+2 ------------> Zn+2 + Cu

Zinc is oxidised and Cu is reduced.

thus emf of the cell = reduction potential of Cu + oxidation potential of Zn

= reduction potential of Cu - reduction potential of Zn [ Oxidation potential of a metal = - its reduction potential]

Thus emf of galvanic cell = +0.34V - (-0.77V)

= 1.11V

2)delta G = delta G0 + RT ln Q

substituting- nFE

-nFE = -nFE0 + RTlnQ

E = E0 -[RT/nF]ln Q

Converting ln(natural logarithm) into log base 10

we get the common form of Nernst equation as

E = E0 -[RT/ 2.303nF]ln Q

3)

a) If the coefficients are changed, the n value changes and thus delta G value changes.

b) no change in E value with the coefficents of equation.

c) Delta G is an extensive property, as it changes with number of moles(coefficients of equation).

d) E is an intensive property, does not depned on the number of moles.