VOLTAIC CELLS

LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS

Part 1 – Qualitative Tests for Determining the Reducing Strengths of
Zn, Sn, Cu, and Fe

From your experimental observations recorded on the following two pages, arrange
the four metals (not ions) in order of decreasing reducing strength. Give your
reasoning based on your experimental results alone. The “correct” textbook
answers are not expected here. Discuss only your observations, not what you think
you should’ve seen. You will be graded on the detail and completeness of your
observations, and on whether your answer and reasoning logically correspond to your
observations.

Do not use any form of the word "oxidize". You may use any form of the word
"reduce". Discuss only the reactions which you observed. If there are contradictions in
the data, then state which ones are contradictions and do not include them in your
reasoning.

The qualitative results usually make it impossible to arrange all four metals
unambiguously; so order as many as you can. Show/discuss clearly all the
ambiguities which concern the metals you cannot order. Indicate all the positions
where these metals “might” fall according to your data.

Hint: the number of reductions that occurred, the speed, and the extent of a reaction
are irrelevant. Your conclusions about which metal is the stronger reducing agent
must be based on your own observations.
 
 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS
In each square, answer the following questions:
a) Write your complete observations of the metal solids and solutions. Initial,
during (if possible), and final.
b) Do you think that a reaction occurred? SELECT: “Yes”, “No”, or “Not Sure”.
c) If a reaction occurred, write a balanced net ionic equation.
d) If a reaction occurred, indicate which metal is the stronger reducing agent
(e.g. A > B).

Ions/
Cu2+ Zn2+
Metals

Yes No Not Sure

Cu

Yes No Not Sure

Zn

Yes No Not Sure Yes No Not Sure

Sn

Yes No Not Sure Yes No Not Sure

Fe
 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS

Ions/
Sn2+ Fe2+
Metals

Yes No Not Sure Yes No Not Sure

Cu

Yes No Not Sure Yes No Not Sure

Zn

Yes No Not Sure

Sn

Yes No Not Sure

Fe

 
 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS
Part 2 – Measurement of Cell Potentials

1. Note: Because [Fe2+] ≠ 0.5 M, the experimental voltages can be expected to

deviate from the calculated voltages (using the Nernst equation) where Fe2+
half-cells are involved.

Experimental Which metal is

At which metal At which metal Calculated
Voltage the stronger
Cell does reduction does oxidation Voltage
Readings and reducing
occur? occur? (assume 0.5 M)
Average agent?

Zn-Cu

Cu-Pb

Cu-Fe

Zn-Pb

Fe-Zn

Fe-Pb

2. On the basis of the calculated voltages, write the order for the reducing strength
of the four metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe), in order of decreasing reducing strength.
 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS
Part 3 – Influence of Concentration on Cell Voltage

Zn (0.5 M) – Cu (0.005 M) Cell: Cu (0.5 M) – Cu (0.005 M) Cell:

Measured Temperature: ____________ Measured Temperature: ____________

Recorded to the nearest 0.1 C

Measured Cell Voltage: ____________ Measured Cell Voltage: ____________

Cathode: ____________ Cathode: ____________

Measured voltage of Zn-Cu cell in Part 2, using 0.5 M Cu2+: ____________________

1. For the Zn-Cu cell:

a) Describe what happened to the measured voltage when the cathode

solution was diluted. Do your observations match what you expected,
based on your understanding of the Nernst equation?

b) What do you expect would have happened if the anode solution had
been diluted, instead of the cathode solution?

c) Calculate the cell voltage for the Zn-Cu cell in Part 3, using standard
reduction potentials and your measured temperature.

Theoretical Voltage of Zn-Cu Cell: ____________________

 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS
2. For the Cu-Cu cell:

a) For a voltaic cell, is the cell voltage a positive or negative value?

b) Which half-cell compartment forms the anode in this voltaic cell?

c) Calculate the cell voltage for the Cu-Cu cell in Part 3, using standard
reduction potentials and your measured temperature.

Theoretical Voltage of Cu-Cu Cell: ____________________

Part 4 – Determination of Ksp for an Insoluble Salt

Measured Cell Voltage Reading #1: _____________

Measured Cell Voltage Reading #2: _____________

Average Cell Voltage: ____________

 
 VOLTAIC CELLS
LAB REPORT WORKSHEETS
1. What is the overall cell reaction in Part 4?

2. Calculate the standard cell potential, E, using your average cell voltage and
assuming a temperature of 25C.

3. Using your experimentally determined standard cell potential (from above),

calculate the solubility product of AgBr(s).

4. How does the experimentally determined Ksp for AgBr(s) compare with the
literature? Provide the Ksp for AgBr(s) from the literature (i.e. textbook or another
reference); include title, page number, etc. from your source.