Electrochemistry Exercise: Normal Potential of a Reaction

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The normal potential for the electrochemical reaction HA(aq) + e- → A-(aq) + 1/2H2(g) at 25 °C is calculated to be E° = -0.206V using the equation E° = RT/(nF)lnK, where the dissociation constant K is 3.3 x 10^-4. The user expressed confusion regarding a discrepancy in the sign of the answer compared to the textbook, suggesting a potential typo. The calculations were performed correctly, confirming the value of E° as negative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrochemical reactions
  • Familiarity with the Nernst equation
  • Knowledge of Gibbs free energy and its relation to electrochemistry
  • Basic skills in logarithmic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Nernst equation and its applications in electrochemistry
  • Explore the concept of Gibbs free energy in chemical reactions
  • Learn about common electrochemical reaction types and their potentials
  • Investigate potential discrepancies in textbook answers and how to verify them
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, electrochemists, and anyone involved in calculating electrochemical potentials and understanding reaction dynamics.

D_Tr
Messages
43
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement



Calculate the normal potential at 25 °C for the reaction:

HA(aq) + e- → A-(aq) + 1/2H2(g)

if the dissociation constant of HA is equal to 3.3*10-4

Homework Equations



ΔG° = -RTlnK ⇔ -ΔG°/nF = RT/(nF)lnK ⇔ E° = RT/(nF)lnK

The Attempt at a Solution



Just plugging in the numbers gives the answer E°=-0.206V
However, the answer key of the textbook disagrees on the sign... Am I overlooking something or is it just a typo? I can't imagine what my mistake could be...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Typo for me. But I am known to be occasionally wrong.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
12K
Replies
4
Views
6K