Unlocking the Power of Electrochemical Cells
What is the overall cell potential of the electrochemical cell described below?
An electrochemical cell has the following overall reaction.
Mn(s) + Cu2+(aq) mc018-1.jpg Cu(s) + Mn2+(aq)
The reduction half-reaction has a standard potential of 1.18 V. The oxidation half-reaction has a standard potential of 0.34 V. What is the overall cell potential?
1. –1.52 V
2. –1.18 V
3. +1.18 V
4. +1.52 V
Answer:
The overall cell potential of the electrochemical cell is +1.52 V.
Electrochemical cells are powerful tools that allow us to harness and utilize the energy associated with chemical reactions. In the case of the electrochemical cell described, the overall cell potential is determined by the difference in the standard reduction potentials of the two half-reactions involved.
The reduction half-reaction involves the reduction of Cu2+ to Cu, and it has a standard potential of 1.18 V. On the other hand, the oxidation half-reaction involves the oxidation of Mn to Mn2+, with a standard potential of 0.34 V. By calculating the difference between these two standard potentials (1.18 V - 0.34 V), we find that the overall cell potential is +1.52 V.
This positive cell potential indicates that the electrochemical cell is capable of generating electrical energy from the chemical reactions occurring within it. By understanding and manipulating the properties of electrochemical cells, we can continue to unlock new possibilities for energy storage and utilization.