Question

A concentration cell consists of two Sn/Sn2+ half-cells. The electrolyte in compartment A is 0.10 M Sn(NO3)2. The electrolyte in B is 0.87 M Sn(NO3)2. Which half-cell houses the cathode? What is the voltage of the cell? Cathode: half-cell A half-cell B Voltage of cell: V

Answer 1

In compartment A, the solution will be concentrated with respect to compartment B, however, over time both compartments will have the same concentration. In compartment B it houses the cathode.

the voltage of the cell is 0.0315 V

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

Electrolyte in compartment A is 0.10 M

Electrolyte in compartment B is 0.87 M

Questions:

Which half-cell houses the cathode?

What is the voltage of the cell, V = ?

In both compartments, the reactions are:

A: Sn → Sn²⁺ + 2e⁻

B: Sn²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Sn

In compartment A, the solution will be concentrated with respect to compartment B, however, over time both compartments will have the same concentration. In compartment B it houses the cathode.

The voltage of the cell

`V=E_(in) -(0.0592)/(nlog(C_(A) /C_(B) ))`

Here

n = 2 due the two electrons transferred

Ein = 0

Substituting values:

`V=0-(0.0592)/(2*log(0.1/0.87)) =0.0315V`