Question

Calculate the potential of the cell for the reaction: Cu²⁺ (aq, 0.15M) + Zn(s) → Zn²⁺ (aq, 0.25M) + Cu(s).

a) -0.70 volts
b) 0.10 volts
c) 0.55 volts
d) -0.45 volts

Answer 1

To calculate the potential of the cell for the given reaction, we can use the Nernst equation. option B is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the potential of the cell for the given reaction, we need to use the Nernst equation, which is given by:

Ecell = E°cell - (0.0591/n) * log(Q)

Here, Ecell is the cell potential, E°cell is the standard cell potential, n is the number of electrons transferred in the balanced redox equation, and Q is the reaction quotient.

In this case, the balanced redox equation is:

Cu²⁺ (aq, 0.15M) + Zn(s) → Zn²⁺ (aq, 0.25M) + Cu(s)

The number of electrons transferred is 2 (from the coefficient of Cu²⁺) and the reaction quotient Q can be calculated using the given concentrations of Zn²+ and Cu²+.

Based on the provided options, it seems that the correct answer is b) 0.10 volts.