Chapter 21: Problem 64
What are \(E_{\text {cell }}^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) of a redox reaction at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) for which \(n=1\) and \(K=5.0 \times 10^{4} ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Standard cell potential \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \) is 0.278 V and the standard Gibbs free energy change \( \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} \) is -26.8 kJ/mol.
Step by step solution
01
- Determine the relationship between \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \) and K
The standard cell potential \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \) can be related to the equilibrium constant \( K \) using the Nernst equation simplified for standard conditions. This relationship is given by \[ E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} = \frac{0.0592}{n} \times \text{log}(K) \] where \( n \) is the number of electrons transferred.
02
- Plug in the values
Given that \( n = 1 \) and \( K = 5.0 \times 10^{4} \), substitute these values into the equation: \[ E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} = \frac{0.0592}{1} \times \text{log}(5.0 \times 10^{4}) \]
03
- Calculate \( \text{log}(5.0 \times 10^{4}) \)
First, calculate the logarithm: \[ \text{log}(5.0 \times 10^{4}) = \text{log}(5.0) + \text{log}(10^{4}) = 0.699 + 4 = 4.699 \]
04
- Compute \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \)
Now, substitute \( \text{log}(5.0 \times 10^{4}) = 4.699 \) into the equation: \[ E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} = 0.0592 \times 4.699 = 0.278 \text{ V} \]
05
- Determine the relationship between \( \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} \) and \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \)
The standard Gibbs free energy change \( \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} \) is related to the standard cell potential by the equation: \[ \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} = -nFE_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} \] where \( F \) is the Faraday constant, \( F = 96485 \) C/mol.
06
- Calculate \( \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} \)
Substitute the values \( n = 1, F = 96485 \) C/mol, and \( E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{o}} = 0.278 \) V into the equation: \[ \text{Δ}G^{\text{o}} = -1 \times 96485 \times 0.278 = -26836.93 \text{ J/mol} = -26.8 \text{ kJ/mol} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Nernst equation
The Nernst equation is a fundamental formula in electrochemistry. It connects the standard cell potential (E⁰_cell) with the equilibrium constant (K). The simplified form for standard conditions is given by: \[ E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{∘}} = \frac{0.0592}{n} \times \text{log}(K) \] In this equation:
- **E⁰_cell**: Standard cell potential
- **n**: Number of moles of electrons transferred in the reaction
- **log**: Base-10 logarithm
- **K**: Equilibrium constant
Gibbs free energy
Gibbs free energy (ΔG⁰) is an essential quantity that indicates the spontaneity of a reaction. It's related to the standard cell potential through the equation: \[ \text{Δ}G^{\text{∘}} = -nF E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{∘}} \] Where:
- **ΔG⁰**: Standard Gibbs free energy change
- **n**: Moles of electrons transferred
- **F**: Faraday constant (96485 C/mol)
- **E⁰_cell**: Standard cell potential
Equilibrium constant
The equilibrium constant (K) represents the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a chemical reaction. For electrochemical cells, K can be linked to the standard cell potential using the Nernst equation. Specifically: \[ E_{\text{cell}}^{\text{∘}} = \frac{0.0592}{n} \times \text{log}(K) \] The equilibrium constant is a measure of the extent to which a chemical reaction proceeds to completion. A higher value of K indicates a reaction that favors product formation. In this exercise, K = 5.0 × 10⁴:
- **High K value**: Signifies that at equilibrium, the concentration of products is much higher than that of reactants.
- **Calculating E⁰_cell**: Plugging K into the Nernst equation helps determine the E⁰_cell, showing the direct quantitative relationship between K and standard cell potential.
Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the relationship between electrical energy and chemical reactions. It involves studying redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions where electrons are transferred between chemical species. Key concepts in electrochemistry include:
- **Redox reactions**: Reactions involving electron transfer. One species is oxidized (loses electrons), and another is reduced (gains electrons).
- **Standard cell potential (E⁰_cell)**: The potential difference between two half-cells in an electrochemical cell under standard conditions.
- **Nernst equation**: Used to calculate the cell potential at any conditions, relating E⁰_cell to the equilibrium constant, temperature, and reactant/product concentrations.
- **Gibbs free energy (ΔG)**: Indicates whether a reaction is spontaneous (-ΔG) or non-spontaneous (+ΔG).