Find the Concentration of Cu2+ in Unknown Solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter jesuslovesu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Concentration
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 4K views
jesuslovesu
Messages
185
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.