Can Half-Cell Potentials Predict Redox Reactions?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability of half-cell potentials to predict the outcomes of redox reactions. Participants explore specific examples of ion pairs and their potential to oxidize or reduce each other, examining the validity of their conclusions based on standard reduction potentials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that Ni2+(aq) can oxidize H2(g), while another disagrees regarding Fe2+(aq) reducing VO2+(aq).
  • There is a claim that Cr3+(aq) cannot oxidize Fe2+(aq) to Fe3+(aq), while Sn2+(aq) is proposed to be capable of oxidizing Fe2+(aq).
  • It is stated that Fe3+(aq) can oxidize Sn metal to Sn2+(aq), but Fe2+(aq) is claimed to be unable to reduce Cr3+(aq) to Cr metal.
  • Another participant requests an explanation of how the initial claims were derived, indicating a need for clarity on the reasoning behind the answers.
  • A method involving the standard reduction potentials is shared, suggesting to sum the potentials to determine if the result is positive, which is acknowledged as correct by another participant.
  • However, there is a note that the first conclusion may not be accurate, indicating potential discrepancies in the evaluations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial claims regarding the redox potentials. There are multiple competing views, and some conclusions are challenged.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed verification of the standard reduction potentials used, and there are unresolved questions about the accuracy of specific claims made by participants.

salman213
Messages
301
Reaction score
1
yes ------Is Ni2+(aq) capable of oxidizing H2(g)?
no -------Is Fe2+(aq) capable of reducing VO2+(aq)?
no -------Is Cr3+(aq) capable of oxidizing Fe2+(aq) to Fe3+(aq)?
yes ------Is Sn2+(aq) capable of oxidizing Fe2+(aq)?
yes ------Is Fe3+(aq) capable of oxidizing Sn metal to Sn2+(aq)?
no -------Is Fe2+(aq) capable of reducing Cr3+(aq) to Cr metal?


can anyone quickly check these
 
Physics news on Phys.org
We need to see some kind of explanation. Can you explain how you arrived at those answers?
 
someone told me to do this

Write down the standard reduction potential of the couple to be reduced.

Write down the negative of the standard reduction potential of the couple to be oxidized.

Add them up.

Is the answer positive (yes/no)


i did that and came to that conclusion but i need someone to check my answers before i submit them
 
Your method is correct. I haven't checked your numbers but the first one doesn't look right.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
12K