Final answer:
The voltage produced by a galvanic cell is influenced by temperature via the Nernst equation, which accounts for temperature, number of electrons transferred, and reaction mixture composition including the reaction quotient Q. Changes in temperature can impact Q by affecting reaction rates and ion concentrations. A voltmeter can be used to measure voltage and calculate Q during the reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Nernst equation is instrumental in determining how the voltage of a galvanic cell changes when the temperature of the anode is altered.
This equation reveals that the cell voltage not only depends on the standard electrode potentials but also on temperature, the number of electrons transferred (n), and the reaction quotient (Q). The reaction quotient reflects the concentrations of reactants and products involved in the redox reaction within the cell.
When the temperature changes, it can affect the value of Q because the reaction rates and, consequently, the concentrations of the reactants and products can change. If the temperature at the anode increases, the reaction rate typically increases, potentially altering Q.
Using a voltmeter, we can measure the voltage and calculate the concentration of ions in the solution. By doing so, we can use the measured voltage to calculate Q during the reaction using the rearranged Nernst equation, which combines cell potential, temperature, and the reaction mixture composition.