General Chemistry Electrochemistry Math Question

Question

Predict the potential for the following voltaic cell at 25 C:

Cu(s) | CuSO₄ (1.74 M) | | AgNO₃(0.5 M) | Ag(s)

Answer 1

In order to predict cell potentials, we will need the standard reduction potentials for the two half cells.

Cu²⁺ + 2e- ==> Cu Eº = +0.34 V

Ag⁺ + e- ==> Ag Eº = +0.8 V

Thus, Ag will be the cathode where reduction takes place, and Cu will be the anode where oxidation takes place.

The E_cell will be 0.8 V - 0.34 V = 0.46 V