Calculating Ksp in Galvanic Cells

  • Thread starter reising1
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Cells Ksp
In summary, a student constructed a galvanic cell with one half-cell containing 0.11M ferrous nitrate and the other half-cell made from 50.0ml of 0.15M oxalic acid and 1.0ml of 0.11M ferrous nitrate. The half-cells contain iron electrodes and are connected with a salt bridge. The voltage measured between the two half-cells was 100mV. By using the Nernst Equation, the experimental Ksp for ferrous oxalate can be calculated based on this data.
  • #1
reising1
54
0

Homework Statement



A student constructs a galvanic cell with one half-cell containing 0.11M ferrous nitrate, Fe(NO3)2, and the other half-cell made from 50.0ml of 0.15M oxalic acid and 1.0ml of the 0.11M ferrousnitrate. Ferrous oxalate is only slightly soluble. The half-cells contain iron electrodes and they are connected with a salt bridge. The student measures a voltage of 100mV between the two half-cells. Calculate the experimental Ksp for ferrous oxalate based on this data.

Homework Equations



Nernst Equation: E = E(standard) - (.05971/n)log Q
Ferrous Nitrate: Fe(NO3)2
Oxalic Acid: C2H2O4

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure what to do because one of the half cells contains multiple chemicals. In addition, I'm not sure what the equation would look like (meaning, I'm having trouble finding Q).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is basically a concentration cell - the only source of voltage is the difference between concentrations of Fe2+ in both half cells.
 

1. What is Ksp and how is it related to galvanic cells?

Ksp, or solubility product constant, is a measure of the degree to which a compound dissociates into its ions in a solution. In galvanic cells, Ksp is used to determine the solubility of a compound in an electrolyte solution.

2. How do you calculate Ksp in galvanic cells?

Ksp can be calculated by multiplying the concentration of the ions in the solution by each other, raised to the power of their coefficients in the chemical equation.

3. Can Ksp be affected by temperature in galvanic cells?

Yes, the solubility of a compound can change with temperature, which can in turn affect the Ksp value. As temperature increases, the solubility of most compounds also increases, resulting in a higher Ksp value.

4. What factors can affect the accuracy of Ksp calculations in galvanic cells?

The accuracy of Ksp calculations can be affected by factors such as impurities in the solution, incomplete dissociation of the compound, and changes in temperature during the experiment.

5. How can Ksp values be used in predicting the direction of a reaction in galvanic cells?

Ksp values can be compared to the actual concentration of ions in a solution to determine if the reaction is proceeding in the forward or reverse direction. If the actual concentration is lower than the Ksp value, the reaction is proceeding in the forward direction, and if it is higher, the reaction is proceeding in the reverse direction.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top