Question

For a standard voltaic cell comprised of a Zn²⁺|Zn electrode and a Cu²⁺|Cu electrode, what is the cell potential, in volts?

What is the cell notation for the voltaic cell comprised of the Zn²⁺|Zn electrode and the Cu²⁺|Cu electrode?

Answer 1

The cell potential for a standard voltaic cell with a Zn²⁺|Zn electrode and a Cu²⁺|Cu electrode is 1.10 V, and the cell notation is Zn(s) | Zn²⁺ (aq, 1M) || Cu²⁺ (aq, 1M) | Cu(s).

Step-by-step explanation:

The cell potential, in volts, for a standard voltaic cell comprised of a Zn²⁺|Zn electrode and a Cu²⁺|Cu electrode can be determined using the standard electrode potentials for the two half-reactions. The measured standard cell potential (E°) for the Zn/Cu system is 1.10 V.

The cell notation for this voltaic cell is Zn(s) | Zn²⁺ (aq, 1M) || Cu²⁺ (aq, 1M) | Cu(s). This represents the oxidation of the zinc electrode and the reduction of Cu²⁺ ions at the copper electrode. The cell potential is the difference between the potential at the cathode and the potential at the anode.

Since reduction potentials are tabulated based on the reactions written as reductions, the standard cell potential (E°cell) is calculated as E° cathode - E° anode.