Find the Concentration of Cu2+ in Unknown Solution

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SUMMARY

The concentration of the unknown Cu2+ solution was determined through two methods based on the electrochemical reaction Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s). Method 1 yielded a concentration of 0.146 M using the equation derived from the graph of EMF versus log Cu2+, while Method 2 suggested a concentration of 0.183 M using the Nernst equation. The correct approach involves using the appropriate E0 values and the Nernst equation to find the accurate concentration of Cu2+.

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  • Familiarity with EMF (Electromotive Force) measurements
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Homework Statement


What is the concentration of the unknown Cu2+ solution?
The reaction is Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) -> Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s).
The concentration of Zn2+ is 0.05 M

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm coming up with about 2 different answers, and I'm not sure which is correct.
Using a graph of (Emf vs log Cu2+) I obtained the line y = -1.0967 - 0.02x and I'm not sure how to figure out the unknown copper concentration.

Method 1 (I'm leaning towards this method):
-1.08 V is the voltage obtained from the unknown.
-1.08 V = -1.0967 - 0.02x
x = -.835
10^x = 10^-.835

[Cu2+] = .146 M

Method 2:
I'm assuming E0 is the y intercept and -0.0592/2logQ is the slope, not positive if that is correct.
E = E0 - 0.0592/2logQ
Q = [Zn2+]/[Cu+2]
-1.08 = -1.0967 - 0.0592/2 log Q
[Cu+2] = .183 M

Which is the correct method to use for finding the copper concentration?
 
Last edited:
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For both metals you have E = E0 + 0.0296 log [Me+2]

Just compare and put correct E0 values in, you will get one equation with one unknown.
 

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