Question

Which of the following cell combinations would be the best to use when setting up a cell with a potential of exactly 0.5 V by adjusting the half-cell ion concentrations?

As part of your preparation for performing this experiment, calculate the volume of 1 M metal ion solution that needs to be diluted (and what the final volume of the diluted solution should be) in order to prepare the solution required for creating a cell with a potential of exactly 0.5 V. Record this information in your lab notebook and check the accuracy with your TA before preparing the solution.
A) Cu/Cu2+ and Pb/Pb2+
B) Zn/Zn2+ and Cu/Cu2+
C) Zn/Zn2+ and Pb/Pb2+
D) none of these

Answer 1

The best cell combination to use for a potential of exactly 0.5 V is Zn/Zn2+ and Cu/Cu2+. To prepare the required solution, dilute the 1 M metal ion solution to half its volume. Therefore, The correct answer is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best cell combination to use when setting up a cell with a potential of exactly 0.5 V by adjusting the half-cell ion concentrations would be option B) Zn/Zn2+ and Cu/Cu2+. In order to prepare the required solution, we need to calculate the volume of 1 M metal ion solution that needs to be diluted and the final volume of the diluted solution. Here's how:

1. Start with the dilution equation: C1V1 = C2V2,
2. where C1 and V1 are the initial concentration and volume, and C2 and V2 are the final concentration and volume.
3. Let's assume the initial concentration of the metal ion solution is 1 M and we need to dilute it to a final concentration of 0.5 M.
4. Substituting the values into the dilution equation, we get: 1 M x V1 = 0.5 M x V2
5. Now, rearrange the equation to solve for V1: V1 = (0.5 M x V2) / 1 M
6. Assuming the final volume of the diluted solution is V2, substituting the values, we get: V1 = 0.5 V2

So, to prepare the solution required for creating a cell with a potential of exactly 0.5 V, you would need to dilute the 1 M metal ion solution to half its volume, resulting in a final volume of the diluted solution equal to the initial volume divided by 2. Therefore, The correct answer is B.