Chemistry (12th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0132525763
ISBN 13: 978-0-13252-576-3

Chapter 21 - Electrochemistry - 21.2 Half-Cells and Cell Potentials - Sample Problem 21.2 - Page 742: 11

Answer

Recall that in a voltaic cell, the cell potential must be positive. Therefore, the half-cell with the more positive reduction potential is the one in which reduction occurs. In our case, the silver half-cell has the more positive reduction potential (+0.80 V); the copper half-cell has a reduction potential of +0.34 V, so we reverse the sign to get the oxidation potential and reverse the reaction, as well, because the one presented is the reduction half-reaction.

Work Step by Step

Recall that in a voltaic cell, the cell potential must be positive. Therefore, the half-cell with the more positive reduction potential is the one in which reduction occurs. In our case, the silver half-cell has the more positive reduction potential (+0.80 V); the copper half-cell has a reduction potential of +0.34 V, so we reverse the sign to get the oxidation potential and reverse the reaction, as well, because the one presented is the reduction half-reaction.
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