Calculate [Ag+] in Test Solution with Nernst Eq. (Chem 102 Lab)

  • Thread starter Thread starter loadsy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chem Lab
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the concentration of silver ions ([Ag+]) in a test solution using the Nernst equation. The reaction under consideration is Ag2CO3(s) <-> 2Ag+(aq) + CO3^2-(aq), with a measured cell potential (Ecell) of 0.280V. The Nernst equation applied is Ecell = E^0cell - 0.05916V/n logQcell, where n is determined to be 2 due to the transfer of two electrons. The correct calculation yields [Ag+] = 10^{1.013}, indicating a concentration greater than 10 mol/L, confirming the importance of accurate standard potential values from the Chemistry Data Sheet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Nernst equation and its application in electrochemistry
  • Familiarity with standard cell potentials and their sources, such as the Chemistry Data Sheet
  • Knowledge of oxidation-reduction reactions and electron transfer concepts
  • Basic skills in logarithmic calculations and concentration unit conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Nernst equation in detail, focusing on its derivation and applications in various electrochemical systems
  • Review standard electrode potentials and how to accurately reference them from reliable sources
  • Practice calculating concentrations of ions in solution using different electrochemical reactions
  • Explore common pitfalls in electrochemical calculations, particularly regarding electron transfer numbers
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, laboratory technicians, and educators involved in electrochemistry and analytical chemistry, particularly those working with redox reactions and ion concentration calculations.

loadsy
Messages
57
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The question asks: Using the measured cell potential and the Nernst equation, calculate the [Ag+] in the test solution. However, you guys will need a little bit of background information to answer this question since it is a lab. First of all this reaction was:

Ag2CO3(s) <-> 2Ag+(aq) +CO3^2-(aq)

Also the Nernst equation we are using is the following:
Ecell = E^0cell -0.05916V/n logQcell

And, the Ecell potential that I calculated was 0.280V

2. The attempt at a solution

So I've made an attempt at this question, but I'm not too positive if I'm solving it correctly. From the reaction we know that n=1 (1 electron being transferred between the reactants and products). Therefore:

0.280V = 0.800V-0.468V(Standard potentials off CDS)- 0.05916V/1 log[Ag+]^2
0.280V = 0.332V-0.5916V log[Ag+]^2
1.026 = log[Ag+]^2
1.013 = log[Ag+]
[Ag+] 0.00562 = 5.63X10^-3 mol/L

However, I'm not too positive if this is correct or if I should be looking in the Chemistry Data Sheet for the standard potentials of the cathode and anode. Thanks for any help guys. :D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Actually, here n will be 2 since the total number of electrons traded is 2. Your calculation looks wrong. If 1.013=log[Ag+], then [Ag+] should be 10^{1.013} which should be greater than 10, not smaller.
 
Last edited:
Ahhh okay, yeah I'm not sure why I said 1, it clearly is n=2 for the number of electrons being traded. That makes a bit more sense. Thank you for your help.

My only other question is whether or not I got the standard cell potentials right from the chemistry data sheet. Because I know that the cathode is Ag in this case, so looking on the CDS, we find it is 0.800V and then the anode I said was from the equation Ag2CO3(s) + 2e^- -> 2Ag(s) + CO3^2- which is 0.468. I'm assuming those are correct for this case, and that it's just an error in my calculation. Thanks again though.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K