How Does Electrode Potential Change in a Mixed Ce4+ and Fe2+ Solution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the concentration of Ce4+ in a mixed solution of Ce4+ and Fe2+, using provided half-reactions and equilibrium constants. Participants explore the implications of equilibrium constants on concentrations and electrode potential in a chemistry context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method to calculate [Ce4+] using equilibrium expressions and the initial concentrations of the reactants.
  • Another participant suggests that a large equilibrium constant (keq = 1.1×10^16) implies a high concentration of Ce4+, but questions arise about the actual concentration being near zero.
  • Some participants express difficulty in solving the quadratic equation necessary for determining the concentrations, with one noting that their solution yielded an imaginary number.
  • There is a discussion about how to derive the potential of a platinum electrode in the context of the mixed solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the concentration of Ce4+ or the correct approach to solving the quadratic equation. There are conflicting views on the implications of the equilibrium constant and the resulting concentrations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention issues with the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly regarding the behavior of concentrations at equilibrium and the applicability of the quadratic formula in this scenario.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals studying chemical equilibria, particularly in the context of redox reactions and electrode potentials.

jkh4
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1. Homework Statement

Given the following half-reactions:
Ce4+ + e− → Ce3+ E° = 1.72 V
Fe3+ + e− → Fe2+ E° = 0.771 V

A solution is prepared by mixing 7.0 mL of 0.30 M Fe2+ with 8.0 mL of 0.12 M Ce4+.

Calculate [Ce4+] in the solution.

I've got the potential of a platinum electrode dipped into the resulting, equilibrated, solution (relative to SHE) to be 0.767 V, and keq of 1.1×10^16 from this equation: Ce4+ + Fe2+ ⇌ Ce3+ + Fe3+.

How do you get [Ce4+]? Why isn't that the same as the concentration posted in the question?

Thanks!
 
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jkh4 said:
1. Homework Statement

Given the following half-reactions:
Ce4+ + e− → Ce3+ E° = 1.72 V
Fe3+ + e− → Fe2+ E° = 0.771 V

A solution is prepared by mixing 7.0 mL of 0.30 M Fe2+ with 8.0 mL of 0.12 M Ce4+.

Calculate [Ce4+] in the solution.

I've got the potential of a platinum electrode dipped into the resulting, equilibrated, solution (relative to SHE) to be 0.767 V, and keq of 1.1×10^16 from this equation: Ce4+ + Fe2+ ⇌ Ce3+ + Fe3+.

How do you get [Ce4+]? Why isn't that the same as the concentration posted in the question?

Thanks!

R)____Ce4+___ +_________ Fe2+___⇌___Ce3+___+_Fe3+
I) .008*.12/.015 ______.007*.3/.015______0_________0
C)_____-x _______________-x ___________x ________x
E) .008*.12/.015 -x ____.007*.3/.015 _____x ________x

k=\frac{x*x}{(\frac{0.008*0.12}{0.015}-x)(\frac{0.007*0.3}{0.015}-x)}
 
but since the k is such large number, [Ce4+] is going to be large too right?
 
jkh4 said:
but since the k is such large number, [Ce4+] is going to be large too right?
no it will be near 0. X represents Ce3+ concentration and that number minus x represent the Ce4+ Solve x using quadratic. Subtract from that number. Then Ce4+ ends being a pretty small number
 
so in this case, k is 1.1×10^16? cause when i try the quadratic on the internet quadratic solver, it says the answer is an imagary number...
 
i got the same problem too... i just cannot solve the quadratic equation
 
NotMrX said:
R)____Ce4+___ +_________ Fe2+___⇌___Ce3+___+_Fe3+
I) .008*.12/.015 ______.007*.3/.015______0_________0
C)_____-x _______________-x ___________x ________x
E) .008*.12/.015 -x ____.007*.3/.015 _____x ________x

k=\frac{x*x}{(\frac{0.008*0.12}{0.015}-x)(\frac{0.007*0.3}{0.015}-x)}

I used this method too, but i did not get the correct answer

after i found X, it is the [Ce3+], i subtract it from 0.008*0.12/0.015 which is the [Ce4+] at equilibrium
my answer was very close to 0...around 10^-8
why am i not getting the right answer
 
Can anyone explain how did this person get potential of a platinum electrode?
 

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