What Is the Voltage of This Voltaic Cell at 298 K with Given Concentrations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the voltage of a voltaic cell at 298 K using the Nernst equation, given specific non-standard concentrations of lead and silver ions. The focus is on the application of electrochemical principles and the correct use of the Nernst equation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • The initial post presents the Nernst equation and the relevant half-reactions for lead and silver, along with their standard electrode potentials.
  • The poster calculates the reaction quotient Q and applies the Nernst equation to find the cell voltage, showing detailed steps in the calculation.
  • Another participant questions the logic behind the calculation, specifically regarding the handling of the natural logarithm of a fraction and its impact on the final voltage result.
  • The original poster acknowledges a typographical error regarding the sign in their calculation and seeks confirmation on the overall process used.
  • A later reply confirms that the process appears correct without providing further details or corrections.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on the final voltage calculation, as the original poster seeks validation of their approach and calculations, while a participant raises a concern about the handling of logarithmic values. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the accuracy of the final answer.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations in the assumptions made regarding the concentrations or the conditions under which the Nernst equation is applied.

garbagefish
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Homework Statement


Electrochemistry - Nernst Equation

Pb2+ + 2 e- → Pb (s) ξo = -0.13 V
Ag+ + 1 e- → Ag (s) ξo = 0.80 V

What is the voltage, at 298 K, of this voltaic cell starting with the
following non-standard concentrations:

[Pb2+] (aq) = 0.08 M
[Ag+] (aq) = 0.5 M

Homework Equations


Use the Nernst equation:

ξ = ξo - (RT/nF) ln Q

The Attempt at a Solution


there are 2 parts to this question one is to find Q and then use that to
find E.
ξo=0.80-(-0.13)=0.93V

first I balanced the equation:

2(Ag+ + 1 e- → Ag (s))
Pb(s)→ Pb2+ + 2 e-
--------------------
2Ag+ + Pb(s) --> Pb2+ + 2Ag(s)

Q = [products]^p/[reactants]^r
so Q = 0.08/0.5^2 = 0.32

i used ξ = ξo - (RT/nF) ln Q
ξ = 0.93V - ((8.314)(298K)/(2)(96500)) ln0.32 = 0.9446V

I also used E=Eo-(0.05916/n)logQ
E = 0.93V - (0.05916/2)log0.32= 0.9446

I am down to my last try and hoping if anyone can double check this for me. thanks!
 
Last edited:
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How can your answer be negative when the ln of a fraction is a negative, and subtracting a negative number from a positive number should make your answer positive?
 
o thanks i edited it, i just typed in the - sign for some reason XD, but does the process seem correct?
 
Yes.
 

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