Free Energy: Determining Greater Reactants

[friendbobbiny]

This question came to mind when studying voltaic cells. In voltaic cells, for some ions (Cu2+ for example), both oxidation and reduction are possible. Given both possiblities, how do we determine which reaction will take place? I first thought that comparing the signage in voltage of both reactant combinations would give the answer. But it then occurred to me that, even in both cases, signage could be positive.

In other words.

V1>0
V2>0
but V1>V2

how does one determine which reaction takes place then? the same can be said about free energy

G1< 0
G2< 0
but G1<G2.

 

[Yanick]

This depends on how you construct your cell, remember that a reduction table is created by using a standard (SHE) and giving it an arbitrary reduction of zero. You cannot have a redox reaction with a reductant AND an oxidant. If you have metal iron and Cu²⁺, why would you think that the copper will form oxidation states of >2+?

Edit to add: If you have a situation where the free energy is indeed such that both reactions are predicted to occur spontaneously, then they both will occur proportionally to their respective kinetics parameters.