Chapter 7: Problem 4

State whether the following statements are true or false. The negative sign of the reduction potential indicates that reduction occurs at that electrode when connected to the standard hydrogen electrode.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: False

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of reduction potential

Reduction potential, also known as redox potential or electrode potential, is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to undergo a reduction reaction - that is, to gain electrons. It is usually measured in volts (V) and is defined relative to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is arbitrarily assigned a potential of 0.000 V.

Differentiate between reduction and oxidation

In an electrochemical cell, the two half-reactions that make up the overall redox reaction are: 1. Reduction: the gain of electrons by a chemical species (reducing agent). This occurs at the cathode (positive electrode). 2. Oxidation: the loss of electrons by another chemical species (oxidizing agent). This occurs at the anode (negative electrode).

Relate negative reduction potential to redox reactions

A negative reduction potential means that the species has a lower tendency to gain electrons compared to the standard hydrogen electrode. When connected to the SHE, the chemical species with the negative reduction potential will act as the anode (where oxidation occurs), and the SHE will act as the cathode (where reduction occurs).

Check the given statement in comparison to our analysis

The given statement says that the negative sign of the reduction potential indicates that reduction occurs at that electrode when connected to the standard hydrogen electrode. This statement is incorrect because, as mentioned in Step 3, the negative reduction potential indicates that the chemical species has a lower tendency to gain electrons. When connected to the SHE, the species with a negative reduction potential will act as the anode where oxidation occurs, not reduction. So, the statement is

False

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State whether the following statements are true or false. The negative sign of the reduction potential indicates that reduction occurs at that electrode when connected to the standard hydrogen electrode.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of reduction potential

Differentiate between reduction and oxidation

Relate negative reduction potential to redox reactions

Check the given statement in comparison to our analysis

False

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