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What is the voltage of an electrolytic cell with copper and magnesium

electrodes?


A. 2.71 V


B. -2.71 V


C. 2.03 V


D. -2.03 V

User Whitey
by
4.6k points

2 Answers

7 votes

Answer:-2.71 is the correct answer

Step-by-step explanation:

A P E X

User Alepuzio
by
5.0k points
5 votes

Answer:

A. 2.71 V

Step-by-step explanation:

The standard reduction potential, E° of the metals are as follows:

Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⇌ Mg; E° = -2.372

Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⇌ Cu; E° = +0.337

Since magnesium has the the lower E°, it will serve as the anode in the electrolytic cell while copper will serve as the cathode.

At the anode; Mg ⇌ Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻, E° = -2.372

At the cathode; Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⇌ Cu, E° = +0.337

EMF of the cell = E° cathode - E° anode = 0.337 - (-2.372) = 2.71 V

Therefore, EMF of the cell is 2.71 V

User Flavio Copes
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4.8k points