Exercise 8.

Question 1

A cell reaction is given below.

Pb + 2H+  Pb2+ + H2

(a) Draw a labelled apparatus set-up for the cell above.

Indicate on the diagram (i) the anode, (ii) cathode, (iii) the direction in which
the anions and cations migrate through the salt bridge, and (iv) the direction in
which the electrons migrate through the external circuit. [5M]

(b) Write the two half-cell equations, overall equation and the cell diagram. [3M]

(c) Calculate electromotive force of the cell. [2M]

Question 2
Two half-cell are connected to form a cell:

Fe(s)/Fe2+(aq) // Cu2+(aq)/Cu(s)

(a) Calculate the standard electrode potential of the cell. [1M]

(b) How does the standard electrode potential of the cell depend on the relative
concentration of Cu2+ ions and Fe2+ ions in the half-cell? [2M]

(c) Explain briefly why the anode of the cell has negative polarity? [3M]
Question 1

A cell reaction is given below.

Pb + 2H+  Pb2+ + H2

(a) Draw a labelled apparatus set-up for the cell above.

Indicate on the diagram (i) the anode, (ii) cathode, (iii) the direction in which
the anions and cations migrate through the salt bridge, and (iv) the direction in
which the electrons migrate through the external circuit. [5M]

(b) Write the two half-cell equations and the cell diagram. [2M]

(c) Calculate electromotive force of the cell. [2M]

Answer:
(a)

Pt
* Cation: K+ (from salt bridge) and Pb2+
* Anion: Cl- and NO3- (from salt bridge)

(b) Anode: Pb(s)  Pb2+(aq) + 2 e

Cathode: 2 H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g)
Cell diagram: Pb(s)/Pb2+(aq) // H+(aq)/H2(g) / Pt(s)

(c) Ecell = Ecathode – Eanode or Ered – Eoxi

Ecell = (0.00) – (-0.13) = +0.13 V - using expression
or the other method
Question 2
Two half-cell are connected to form a cell:

Fe(s)/Fe2+(aq) // Cu2+(aq)/Cu(s)

(a) Calculate the standard electrode potential of the cell. [1M]

(b) How does the standard electrode potential of the cell depend on the relative
concentration of Cu2+ ions and Fe2+ ions in the half-cell? [2M]

(c) Explain briefly why the anode of the cell has negative polarity? [3M]

(a) anode: Fe2+(aq) + 2 e  Fe(s) -0.44 V

Cathode: Cu2+(aq) + 2 e  Cu(s) +0.34 V
Ecell = Ecathode – Eanode
Ecell = +0.34 – (-0.44) = +0.78 V

(b) E of a half-cell will be less positive if the ratio [Fe2+]/[Cu2+] >1, and
E of a half-cell will be positive if the ratio [Fe2+]/[Cu2+] <1
Or
standard electrode potential becomes more +ve (more than +0.78 V) as the
[Cu2+] increases or the [Fe2+] decreases.
Overall equation: Fe + Cu2+  Cu + Fe2+
As the concentration of Fe2+ decreases or concentration of Cu2+ increases,
the equilibrium is disturbed. Based on Le Chatelier’s principle,
equilibrium position will shift more to right, thus Eθ will increase.

(c) Iron is more electropositive than Copper / standard reduction potential of Fe is

more negative compare to Cu
Iron is more easily to lose electron.
Concentration of electron on the surface of electrode is higher / the electrons
are left behind in the electrode