Which of the following metals when reacting with 1.0 M Zn2+ at 25°C will produce the greatest voltage? Select one: A. Mg B. Pb C. Al D. Ag

Question

Which of the following metals when reacting with 1.0 M Zn²⁺ at 25°C will produce the greatest voltage?

Select one:

A. Mg

B. Pb

C. Al

D. Ag

Answer 1

To answer this question adequately, one really should consult a table of standard reduction potentials. You could "geuestimate" using the trends of the periodic table, but the potentials table would be better. You might find standard reduction potentials such as the following:

Zn -0.76

Mg -2.37

Pb -0.13

Al -1.66

Ag +0.80

The greatest voltage will be produced if Zn is the cathode and Mg is the anode. Thus, the E_cell would be calculated as -0.76 - (-2.37) = 1.61 V