ADVANCED LEVEL PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS

CHAPTER 10: ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

1. The standard electrode potential for four half-cell reactions are given below

𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞) + 8𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 5𝑒 − → 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 4𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.52 𝑉 A

𝑆𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞)
+ 2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞)
2𝑒 −
→ 2− (𝑎𝑞)
𝑆𝑂3 + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +0.20 𝑉 B
𝐵𝑟2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 −
→ −
2𝐵𝑟 (𝑎𝑞) +1.06 𝑉 C
𝐶𝑙2 (𝑔) + 2𝑒 − → 2𝐶𝑙 − (𝑎𝑞) +1.36 𝑉 D

(a). (i). Write an equation for the reaction between cells A and B
(ii). calculate the emf for the reaction in (a) (i) above
(b). Explain why hydrochloric acid is not used to acidify titrations in volumetric analysis
involving potassium manganate(VII)
(c). Write the cell notation for the reaction between the following and in each case,
calculate the emf of the cell
(i). B and D
(ii). A and C

2. A cell consisting of copper and silver electrodes is shown below

Voltmeter

Copper Salt bridge Silver

Copper(II) sulphate Solution N

solution

(a). Name solution N

(b). Write the cell notation and hence the overall equation for the cell reaction
(c). Name the substance that can be used as a salt bridge
(d). State the purpose of the salt bridge
(e). The reductions potentials of the half cells are given below. Use them to calculate the
overall emf of the cell

𝐶𝑢2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) +0.35 V

𝐴𝑔+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐴𝑔(s) +0.81 𝑉

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3. Equations and electrode potentials for some reactions are given below.

2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑂2 (𝑔) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐻2 𝑂2 (𝑙) +0.68 𝑉

𝐴𝑔+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐴𝑔(𝑠) +0.80 𝑉
2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂2 (𝑙) + 2𝑒 − → 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.77 𝑉
(a). (i). Write an ionic equation for the reaction between silver nitrate and hydrogen
peroxide
(ii). Calculate the emf of the cell reaction in a (i)
(b). State the property shown by hydrogen peroxide in the reaction in a (i)

4. The equations for some half cell reactions are given below

𝐶𝑑 2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑑(𝑠) −0.44 𝑉

+ (𝑎𝑞) −
𝐻2 𝑂2 (𝑙) + 2𝐻 + 2𝑒 → 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.76 𝑉
(a). Write the
(i). Equation for the reaction taking place at the anode and cathode respectively.
(ii). Cell notation for the two combined half cells
(iii). The equation for the overall cell reaction
(b). Calculate the emf the cell that would result if the two half cells are combined

5. (a). State the factors which determine the magnitude of the electrode potential of a metal
(b). Draw a well labelled diagram to show how the standard electrode potential of zinc can
be determined.
(c). The equations below show the standard electrode potentials of some half cell reactions

𝐶𝑢+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) +0.52 𝑉

2+ (𝑎𝑞) − +
𝐶𝑢 + 2𝑒 → 𝐶𝑢 (𝑎𝑞) +0.15 𝑉
Which of the two ions, 𝐶𝑢 +
and 𝐶𝑢 2+
is a stronger oxidising agent? Give a reason for
your answer.

6. (a). With the aid of a well labelled diagram, briefly describe how the standard electrode
potential of a copper metal can be determined
(b). The standard electrode potentials of copper and zinc are given below.

𝐶𝑢2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(s) +0.34 𝑉

𝑍𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → Zn(𝑠) +0.81 𝑉
Write the cell notation for the zinc – copper cell and calculate the emf of the cell
(c). State two ways in which the electrolytic cell differs from an emf cell
(d). During the electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid using platinum electrodes, a current of
2A was passed for 6.5 minutes at room temperature. Calculate the volume of the gas
evolved at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(e). Name one application of
(i). Electrolysis
(ii). Standard electrode potentials

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7. The diagram below shows the emf cell for the reaction between iron(III) chloride and
potassium iodide solution
Voltmeter

Platinum Salt bridge Platinum

Potassium Iron(III) chloride

iodide solution solution

(a). Indicate on the diagram the direction of flow of current

(b). State what is observed at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(c). Write the equation for the reaction taking place at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode

8. The convention of a cell is given below

𝑃𝑡(𝑠)/ 𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) // 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞), 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞)/𝑃𝑡(𝑠)
(a). Write equations for the half cell reactions at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(b). Write the overall equation for the cell reaction
(c). The electrode potentials for the system 𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) and , 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞), are
+0.76 and +1.51 V respectively. Deduce whether the reaction is feasible or not. Give a
reason for your answer.
(d). The standard electrode potentials for some systems are given below

𝑀𝑛3+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) +1.48 𝑉

𝑉 3+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑉 2+ (𝑎𝑞) −0.24 𝑉
(i). Write the cell notation formed by combining the two half cells
(ii). Write the overall for the reaction
(iii). Calculate the emf of the cell
(iv). State whether the reaction is possible or not. Give a reason for your answer

9. (a). (i), Define standard electrode potential

(ii). Why is it not possible to measure the standard electrode potentials absolutely?
(iii). Discuss the factors which affect the value of the standard electrode potentials of a
metal electrode
(b). Describe a standard hydrogen half cell
(c). How would you measure the standard electrode potential of a metal in a solution of
its ions?
(d). Some half cells and their emf are given below

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 𝐼2 (𝑎𝑞) / 𝐼 − (𝑎𝑞) +0.54 𝑉
𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞) +0.76 𝑉
(i). Write the cell convention for a cell made up of the half cells
(ii). Write the equation for the cell reaction
(iii). Determine the emf of the cell
(iv). Calculate the standard free energy of the reaction
(v). State whether the reaction is feasible or not. Give a reason for your answer.
(e). The standard electrode potentials of some half cells are given below

𝐶𝑎2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑎(𝑠) −2.89 𝑉

𝑀𝑔2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑀𝑔(𝑠) −2.38 𝑉

A cell was set up as shown below

𝑀𝑔(𝑠) / 𝑀𝑔2+ (𝑎𝑞) // 𝐶𝑎2+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝐶𝑎(𝑠)
(i). Calculate the emf of the cell
(ii). What conclusion can you draw from the emf you have calculated in above

10. (a). Describe, with aid of a labelled diagram, how the standard electrode potential of a zinc
electrode can be determined.
(b). The electrode potentials of some half cell reactions are shown below.

A 𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞) +0.77𝑉

B 𝑍𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) −0.76 𝑉
C 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞) + 8𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞)
+ 5𝑒 −
→ 𝑀𝑛 2+ (𝑎𝑞)
+ 4𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.51 𝑉
D 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 −
→ 𝑀𝑛𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞) +0.56 𝑉
E 𝐶𝑢2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) +0.34 𝑉
F 𝑀𝑛𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞) + 4𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞)
+ 2𝑒 −
→ 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 (𝑠) + 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +2.26 𝑉

State the species that is the best

(i). Reducing agent
(ii). Oxidising agent
(c). (i). Write the cell notation for the cell made by combining the half cells A and B from
the table
(ii). Write the equation for the reaction.
(iii). Determine the emf for the cell
(iv). State whether the reaction in (ii) is possible or not. Give a reason for your
answer.
(d). (i). Determine the oxidation states of manganese in 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− , 𝑀𝑛𝑂42− , 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 .
(ii). Write the equation for the reaction between D and F from the table
(iii). State what would be observed if carbon dioxide gas was bubbled through a
solution containing manganate(VI) ions

11. Equations for some half cell reactions are given below

𝐶𝑢2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) +0.34 𝑉

𝑆𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙)(𝑙) 2𝑒 − → 𝑆𝑂32− (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑂̅ 𝐻 −0.90 𝑉

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 (a). Write equation for the reaction at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(b). Determine the
(i). Emf of the combined cell
(ii). Free energy of the cell
(c). State whether the cell reaction would be feasible or not. Give a reason for your answer.

12. The standard electrode potential of two half cell are given in the table.

𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞) / 𝐻2 (𝑔) +0.00 𝑉

𝐶𝑑𝑆𝑂4 (𝑎𝑞) / 𝐶𝑑(𝑠) −0.40 𝑉
(a). Write the cell notation for the cell formed by combining the two half cells
(b). Write the ionic equation for the
(i). Reaction at the cathode
(ii). Reaction at the anode
(c). Calculate the emf of the cell

13. The standard electrode potentials of some half cells are given below

𝐶𝑢2+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) +0.34 𝑉

𝑍𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) −0.76 𝑉
(a). Write the cell notation for the cell formed by combining the two half cell
(b). Draw a labelled diagram of the cell
(c). Write equation for the reactions taking place at the anode at the cathode of the cells.
(d). Calculate the maximum obtained energy from the cell when one mole of copper(II)
ions is displaced by zinc. (1𝐹 = 96500𝐶)

14. Electrode potentials for some half cells are given below

𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞) , 𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑃𝑡(𝑠) −0.771 𝑉

𝐶𝑟 3+ (𝑎𝑞) , 𝐶𝑟2 𝑂72− (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑃𝑡(𝑠) −1.330 𝑉
(a). Write the cell notation for the cell formed when the half cells are combined
(b). Write the
(i). Equations for the half cell reactions
(ii). Equations for the overall cell reaction
(c). Calculate the emf of the cell
(d). State whether the reactions is feasible or not. Give a reason for your answer.

15. The standard electrode potentials of nickel and zinc are given below.

𝑁𝑖 2+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑁𝑖(𝑠) −0.24 𝑉

𝑍𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) / 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) −0.76 𝑉
(a). Draw a fully labelled diagram to show how the arrangement of a cell composed of
nickel and zinc. Indicate the flow of electrons
(b). Write the half cell equations for the reactions taking place at the

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 (i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(c). Write the overall cell equation.
(d). Write the cell notation for the combined cell
(e). Calculate the emf of the cell formed
(f). Calculate the maximum energy obtained from the cell
(g). Give two ways in which an emf cell differs from an electrolytic cell.

16. Some half cell reactions and their standard electrode potentials are given below.

𝑆𝑛4+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑆𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) +1.15 𝑉

𝑆𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑆𝑛(𝑠) −0.14 𝑉
𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞) + 8 𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 5𝑒 − → 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 4𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.52 𝑉
𝑀𝑛𝑂2 (𝑠) + 4𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.23 𝑉

(a). (i). State what would be observed if excess tin powder is added to acidified
potassium manganate(VII).
(ii). Write the equation for the reaction
(b). Solid manganese(IV) oxide was added to acidified solution of tin(II) chloride.
(i). State what was observed and explain your answer
(ii). Write equation for the reaction that took place
(c). Explain why lithium is the most powerful reducing agent yet potassium is more
reactive of the two elements

17. The equations for some redox reactions are shown below

2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 2 𝐹𝑒 2+ (𝑎𝑞) ⇋ 𝐻2 (𝑔) + 2 𝐹𝑒 3+ (𝑎𝑞)

3𝑍𝑛(𝑠) + 6𝑂̅𝐻(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐵𝑟𝑂3− (𝑎𝑞) + 3 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) ⇋ 3𝑍𝑛(𝑂𝐻)2− −

4 (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐵𝑟 (𝑎𝑞)

(a). For each reaction, write the half cell reaction taking place at the
(i). Anode
(ii). Cathode
(b). For each reaction, write the cell notation of the cell made by combining the electrodes
of each half cell
(c). State what each symbol used in (b) stands for

18. A cell was constructed as shown below

𝑃𝑡(𝑠)/ 𝐶𝑟 2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐶𝑟 3+ (𝑎𝑞) // 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞), 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞)/𝑃𝑡(𝑠)
(a). Write the equation for the reaction that at each electrode
(b). Write the equation for the overall reaction
(c). The electrode potentials for the systems 𝐶𝑟 2+ (𝑎𝑞), 𝐶𝑟 3+ (𝑎𝑞) and 𝑀𝑛𝑂4− (𝑎𝑞), 𝑀𝑛2+ are
+0.402 and -1.52 volts respectively. Calculate the cell voltage

19. (a). Define the following terms

(i). Oxidation
(ii). Reductions

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 (iii). Standard electrode potential
(b). The reduction potentials of group(VII) elements are given ion the table below.

Elements 𝐹 𝐶𝑙 𝐵𝑟 𝐼
Electrode potentials (V) +2.87 +1.36 +1.07 +0.54

(i). State the most and the least oxidising agent. Give a reason for your answer in
each case
(ii). Explain trend in the electrode potentials
(iii). Describe an experiment to determine the electrode potential of a chlorine
electrode
(c). Explain the factors that determine the value of the electrode potentials of the
group(VII) elements as shown in the table in (b).
(d). The reduction potentials for some half cell reactions are given below.

𝑀𝑛𝑂2 (𝑠) + 4 𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑀𝑛2+ (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) +1.23 𝑉

𝐶𝑙2 (𝑔) + 2𝑒 − → 2𝐶𝑙 − (𝑎𝑞) −0.76 𝑉
(i). write an equation for the overall the cell reaction when the two half cells are
combined
(ii). Write the cell notation for the combined cell
(iii). Explain why chlorine can be prepared from concentrated hydrochloric acid
and manganese(IV) oxide.

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