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

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SUMMARY

The voltage of the voltaic cell at 298 K, with given concentrations of [Pb2+] at 0.08 M and [Ag+] at 0.5 M, is calculated using the Nernst equation. The standard reduction potentials are ξo(Pb2+/Pb) = -0.13 V and ξo(Ag+/Ag) = 0.80 V, resulting in a cell potential of ξo = 0.93 V. The reaction quotient Q is determined to be 0.32, leading to a final voltage of 0.9446 V after applying the Nernst equation. The calculations confirm the process is correct, and the voltage is positive despite the logarithmic properties of fractions.

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  • Understanding of electrochemistry concepts, specifically the Nernst equation.
  • Familiarity with standard reduction potentials and their significance.
  • Knowledge of reaction quotient (Q) calculations in electrochemical reactions.
  • Basic proficiency in logarithmic functions and their applications in chemistry.
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  • Study the Nernst equation in detail, including its derivation and applications.
  • Learn about standard reduction potentials and how they are tabulated for various half-reactions.
  • Explore the concept of Gibbs free energy in relation to electrochemical cells.
  • Investigate the effects of concentration changes on cell voltage using the Nernst equation.
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Chemistry students, electrochemists, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of voltaic cells and their calculations.

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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