Question

Atoms A and X are fictional atoms. Suppose that the standard potential for the reduction of X^2+ is +0.51 V, and the standard potential for the reduction of A^2+ is -0.33. Find the standard potential for an electrochemical cell with the cell reaction that follows.

Answer 1

While the reaction is not shown, based on those atoms and reduction potentials, the only reasonable favorable equation we can form is:

A(2+) + X -> A + X(2+)

The standard reduction potential for the cell is the cathode's reduction potential minus the anode's reduction potential, or 0.51-(-0.33)=0.84.