Electrode Potential: Zinc-Copper E Cell & Plausibility

In summary, electrode potential is the measure of the potential difference between an electrode and its surrounding solution. It is determined by comparing the potential of the electrode in question to the potential of a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE). The Zinc-Copper E Cell is a type of electrochemical cell used to measure the electrode potential difference between Zinc and Copper. The plausibility of this cell is determined by calculating the potential difference using the Nernst equation. Factors such as temperature, concentration of ions, and electrode type can affect the electrode potential of Zinc and Copper, thus impacting the plausibility of the Zinc-Copper E Cell.
  • #1
Bladibla
358
1
When we work out the E cell of with the electrode potential values of Zinc and copper (for example) Why does a positive E cell value indicate that the reaction is plausible?
 
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  • #2
Matter of convention.
 
  • #3
[tex]- \Delta G^0 = work~done ~at~constant~potential=E^0_{cell} \Delta Q [/tex]
[tex]\Delta Q = nF [/tex]
[tex]\implies \Delta G^0 =-nFE^0_{cell} [/tex]

Of course, now this translates to another convention : that a negative free energy change tells you that the reaction is plausible. To make this more intuitive, it may help to go a step further.

[tex]\Delta G^0 = -RT lnK [/tex]
[tex]\Delta G^0 < 0 \implies lnK > 0 \implies K > 1 [/tex]
 

1. What is electrode potential?

Electrode potential is the measure of the potential difference between an electrode and its surrounding solution. It is a measure of the tendency of an electrode to gain or lose electrons during a redox reaction.

2. How is electrode potential measured?

Electrode potential is measured using a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) as a reference. The potential of the SHE is defined as 0 volts at all temperatures and concentrations. The potential of the electrode in question is then compared to the potential of the SHE to determine its electrode potential.

3. What is the Zinc-Copper E Cell?

The Zinc-Copper E Cell is a type of electrochemical cell that consists of a Zinc electrode and a Copper electrode connected by a wire and a salt bridge. It is used to measure the electrode potential difference between Zinc and Copper.

4. How is the plausibility of the Zinc-Copper E Cell determined?

The plausibility of the Zinc-Copper E Cell is determined by calculating the potential difference between the two electrodes using the Nernst equation. If the calculated potential difference is positive, the cell is considered plausible and the reaction is spontaneous. If the calculated potential difference is negative, the cell is not plausible and the reaction is non-spontaneous.

5. What factors affect the electrode potential of Zinc and Copper?

The electrode potential of Zinc and Copper is affected by factors such as temperature, concentration of ions in the solution, and the type of electrode used. Changes in these factors can alter the electrode potential difference and affect the plausibility of the Zinc-Copper E Cell.

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