January 24, 2017 SBA 5: Redox-Potentials Cape Chemistry Unit I

Name: .................................................................. Form :.................

SBA 5: Redox-Potentials
graded for ORR

Aim: To setup an electrical circuit to determine the redox potential of the following cells:

Zn(s) / Zn2(aq) || Cu2(aq) / Cu (s);

Zn(s) / Zn2(aq) || Pb2(aq)/ Pb(s) ;

Pb2(aq)/ Pb(s) || Cu2(aq) / Cu (s);

Apparatus zinc electrode 1.0 M Cu(NO3)2

and copper electrode 1.0 M Zn(NO3)2
Materials: filter paper 1.0 M Pb(NO3)2
voltmeter saturated KNO3
beaker
connecting wires

Procedure: 1. Use a connecting wire to attach the lead electrode and the copper electrode to
the voltmeter.
2. Add 25 cm3 of lead(II) nitrate to a small beaker.
3. Add 25 cm3 of copper(II) nitrate to another beaker.
4. Place the electrodes in the corresponding beaker.
5. Soak the filter paper in saturated KNO3 and use it to connect the two beakers
(salt bridge).
6. Record the potential difference (V) of the copper-lead cell.
7. Repeat the procedure to obtain the potential difference of the zinc copper and
the zinc lead cell.

Calculations: 1. Write the half equations with E0-values for the three half cells used in the
experiment.
2. Find the theoretical e.m.f. (E0) for each of the cells.
3. Identify the anode and the cathode in each of the three cells.
4. State and explain what would happen to the potential difference of the Zn-Cu
cell over time.
5. For the Zn-Cu cell state and explain the effect of doubling the concentration of
a) Zn2 (aq)
b) Cu2(aq)

Morant Bay High School 1 Dr. P. Dollenmeier