Chemistry - Quick question about standard reductions of half-cells

In summary, a standard reduction potential is a measure of the tendency of a species to gain electrons and undergo reduction in a chemical reaction. It is determined by measuring the voltage generated by a half-cell when connected to a standard hydrogen electrode. A half-cell is a single electrode in a redox reaction, used to predict the direction and strength of redox reactions. The standard reduction potential of a half-cell can change depending on conditions, but the values listed in reference tables are considered constant for practical purposes.
  • #1
Fusilli_Jerry89
159
0
my teacher says that if you add acid to the solution then you don't use the H2) half reaction with the (10-7 M), but that you still do if you add a base. Is this true?
 
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  • #2
I don't even know what you're question is... could you please specify what reaction or what is it that youre doing?
 
  • #3


It is true that the standard reduction of half-cells can be affected by the presence of acid or base in a solution. When acid is added, it can react with the H+ ions in the solution, causing a change in the overall concentration of H+ and affecting the standard reduction potential. Therefore, the H2 half-reaction may not need to be included in the calculation. However, when a base is added, it can react with the OH- ions in the solution, causing a similar change in concentration and potentially affecting the standard reduction potential. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of both acid and base when calculating standard reductions of half-cells.
 

1. What is a standard reduction potential?

A standard reduction potential is a measure of the tendency of a species to gain electrons and undergo reduction in a chemical reaction. It is typically reported in volts (V) and is a standard way to compare the strength of oxidizing and reducing agents.

2. How is a standard reduction potential determined?

A standard reduction potential is determined by measuring the voltage generated by a half-cell when it is connected to a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE). The voltage measured is called the standard reduction potential.

3. What is a half-cell in chemistry?

A half-cell is a single electrode in a redox reaction. It consists of a metal or other conductive material in contact with a solution containing ions of the same metal or a different metal with a known standard reduction potential.

4. How are half-cell potentials used in chemistry?

Half-cell potentials are used to predict the direction and strength of redox reactions. The larger the difference in standard reduction potential between two half-cells, the more likely a reaction will occur spontaneously.

5. Can the standard reduction potential of a half-cell change?

The standard reduction potential of a half-cell can change depending on the concentration of the species involved and the temperature. However, the standard reduction potentials listed in reference tables are measured under specific conditions and are considered constant for practical purposes.

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