Question

Use the standard reduction potentials located in the 'Tables' linked above to calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction:

2H+(aq) + Cu(s) H2(g) + Cu2+(aq)
Hint: Carry at least 5 significant figures during intermediate calculations to avoid round off error when taking the antilogarithm. You may use the OWL references to find the values you may need in this question.

Answer 1

3.3 * 10^-12

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation of the reaction is;

2H+(aq) + Cu(s) ---------> H2(g) + Cu2+(aq)

Hence two electrons were transferred so n=2

E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode

E°cell = 0 V - 0.34 V

E°cell = - 0.34 V

Then;

E°cell = 0.0592/n log K

Substituting values;

- 0.34 = 0.0592/2 log K

- 0.34/0.0296 = log K

-11.486 = log K

K = Antilog (-11.486)

K = 3.3 * 10^-12