Redox Equilibrium Practice Worksheet

Standard Electrode Potentials

Cu2+ + 2e- ⇌ Cu +0.34V Mg2+ + 2e- ⇌ Mg -2.37V
+ -
2H  + 2e ⇌ H2 0.00V Ag+ + e- ⇌ Ag +0.80V
1. The cell shown below can be used to measure the standard electrode potential of magnesium.

a) Define the term ‘standard electrode potential’.

- the electrode potential, in V, of a half-cell measured when connected to a standard
hydrogen electrode under the standard conditions (298K, 1atm, 1M H +)
b) Identify the following from the diagram above.
i) W platinum foil covered in platinum black (porous platinum)
ii) X salt bridge
iii) Y magnesium
iv) Z 1 Magnesium ion solution
c) Anode reaction: H2(g)  2H+(aq) +2e-
d) Cathode Reaction: Mg2+(aq) +2e-  Mg(s)
e) Give the conventional IUPAC representation for this cell (conventional cell diagram).

Pt|H2(g) |2H+(aq)||Mg2+(aq)|Mg(s) or
Pt[H2(g)] |2H+(aq)||Mg2+(aq)|Mg(s)
f) Indicate the direction of electron flow (L →R or R →L).
L →R (anode to cathode)
g) Consider the cell represented below.
Cu(s) ǀCu2+(aq) ǁAg+(aq) ǀAg(s)
i) Write the equation for the overall reaction between copper and silver ions.
Cu ⇌ Cu2+ + 2e- 
2(Ag+ + e- ⇌ Ag) Note: Electrons must balance.
+ -
2Ag  + 2e  ⇌ 2Ag)
Overall: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

ii) Calculate the standard cell potential.

 °Ecell = °Ecathode - °Eanode = 0.80V –(+0.34) = +0.46V

h) Considering the standard electrode potentials given, identify:

i) the strongest oxidizing agent – Ag+
ii) the strongest reducing agent - Mg