Final answer:
The copper concentration cell generates electric charge through the movement of electrons as the cell moves toward equilibrium. Charge is related to the change in copper ion concentrations between the two compartments as the reactions proceed. Calculating the total charge would involve utilizing the Nernst equation and Faraday's laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the amount of electric charge a copper concentration cell can produce before reaching equilibrium. In the case provided, the cathode compartment contains 0.500 L of 1.00 M [Cu²⁺] solution, and the anode compartment contains 0.875 L of 0.0500 M [Cu²⁺] solution, with a copper electrode in each compartment.
When the compartments reach equilibrium, the concentrations of Cu²⁺ ions in both compartments will be equal. This means that Cu²⁺ ions from the cathode will be reduced to copper metal, while copper metal at the anode will be oxidized to Cu²⁺ ions. These redox reactions will involve the flow of electrons through the external circuit, constituting electric charge. To calculate the total charge, we would need to find the amount of copper that will be deposited at the cathode and dissolved at the anode until equilibrium is reached.
A concentration cell produces voltage as a result of the difference in concentration of the same redox active species in two compartments. The voltage decreases as the reaction proceeds, and stops when both compartments reach the same concentration, resulting in an Ecell of zero volts. The overall charge can be determined using the Nernst equation and Faraday's laws of electrolysis, considering the initial and final states of the concentrations in the compartments.