Consider two half-reactions: X → X²⁺ + 2e⁻, E°(cell) = -2 V, Y → Y⁺ + e⁻, E°(cell) = -2 V. Which of these half-reaction cells has a greater ∆G°?

Question

X

Y (my guess)

They have the same DG

Not enough info to tell

Answer 1

∆G = -nFE

The only variable here is the value of n (number of electrons) since F (Faraday) is constant, Eº is -2 in both cases. So in one case, n = 2 and in the other case n = 1. The ∆Gº will be greater for the case where n = 2, which would be for X =>X²⁺ + 2e-.