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9.2: Voltaic Cells - Pre-lab

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    544337
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    Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________

     

    1. Write the balanced equation and calculate the theoretical standard cell potential, \(E_\text{cell}^\circ\), for the following cell:

    \(\ce{Zn(s) | Zn^{2+}(aq) || Cu^{2+}(aq) | Cu(s)}\)

     

     

     

     

    1. Use the table of standard reduction potentials in your text, or another approved reference, to complete the following table. An example is provided.
    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Galvanic Cells

    Electrodes
    (circle the anode)

    Reduction Half-reactions

    Standard Reduction Potential, \(E^\circ\) [V]

    Voltaic Cell Potential, \(E^\circ\) [V]

    \(\enclose{circle}{\textbf{Zn}}\)

    Cu

    \(\ce{Zn^{2+} + 2e^- -> Zn(s)}\)

    \(\ce{Cu^{2+} + 2e^- -> Cu(s)}\)

    −0.76

    +0.34

    +1.10

    Cu

    Ag

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cu

    Mg

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Zn

    Sn

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cu

    Sn

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1. For the \(\ce{Zn}\)/\(\ce{Cu}\) cell, if the concentration of \(\ce{Zn^{2+}}\) is 0.01 M and the concentration of \(\ce{Cu^{2+}}\) is 1.0 M, will the measured \(E_\text{cell}\) be greater than, less than, or equal to the \(E_\text{cell}^\circ\)? Explain your reasoning based on the Nernst equation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1. Logic Check: You measure a cell potential of \(+0.46 \text{ V}\) for an Unknown Metal \(X\) connected to Copper (\(+0.34 \text{ V}\)).
      • If Copper is the cathode (Red), what is the reduction potential of \(X\)?

         

         

         

      • If Copper is the anode (Ox), what is the reduction potential of \(X\)?

         

         

         

      • Look at a standard potential table. Which scenario matches a real metal (Ag, Mg, Zn, Sn)?

         

         

         

         

         

         


    9.2: Voltaic Cells - Pre-lab is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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