Calculate the potential for each cell as shown below

Question

Calculate the potential for each cell as shown below and indicate whether the metal electrode in the half-reaction opposite the standard hydrogen electrode, S.H.E., would be the anode or the cathode if the cell was shorted and electrons were allowed to flow freely at 25 °C.

 

S.H.E. || Zn2 (aq, 0.0520 M) | Zn(s)

 

E^0 Zn2+/Zn = -0.762 V 

 

E cell= ? 

 

Zn electrode is:

 

a. anode

b. cathode 

Answer 1

Zn is the anode.  As for E_cell, you calculate Eº_cell as usual and then use the Nernst equation to find Ecell.