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What is E°(cell) for the reaction
2Au(s) + 3Ca²⁺(aq) → 2Au³⁺(aq) + 3Ca(s)?

User HanXu
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1 Answer

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We can see here that the standard cell potential, E°(cell), for the given reaction is 4.26 V.

How we arrived at the solution

The standard cell potential, E°(cell), can be calculated using the standard reduction potentials of the half-reactions involved in the cell.

To find E°(cell) for the given reaction:

1. Write the two half-reactions:

a. Au³⁺(aq) + 3e⁻ → Au(s) (reduction half-reaction)

b. Ca²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Ca(s) (oxidation half-reaction)

2. Look up the standard reduction potentials (E°) for each half-reaction. These values are typically provided in a reference table or textbook. Let's assume:

a. E°(Au³⁺/Au) = 1.50 V (hypothetical value)

b. E°(Ca²⁺/Ca) = -2.76 V (hypothetical value)

3. The overall cell potential is calculated by taking the difference between the reduction potential of the reduction half-reaction (Au³⁺/Au) and the oxidation potential of the oxidation half-reaction (Ca²⁺/Ca):

E°(cell) = E°(reduction) - E°(oxidation)

= 1.50 V - (-2.76 V)

= 4.26 V

Therefore, the standard cell potential, E°(cell), for the given reaction is 4.26 V.

User Heap
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