In a galvanic cell, the standard reduction potential (E°) for the reduction of copper ions (Cu²⁺) to copper metal (Cu) is +0.34 V. Calculate the cell potential when this half-cell is paired with a half-cell in which the reduction potential of silver ions (Ag⁺) to silver metal (Ag) is -0.80 V.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
To calculate the cell potential, we subtract the reduction potential of the anode half-reaction from the reduction potential of the cathode half-reaction.
For the copper half-cell: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ -> Cu
E°(copper) = +0.34 V (reduction potential)
For the silver half-cell: Ag⁺ + e⁻ -> Ag
E°(silver) = -0.80 V (reduction potential)
To calculate the cell potential, we use the formula:
E(cell) = E°(cathode) - E°(anode)
Let's substitute the values into the formula:
E(cell) = (-0.80 V) - (+0.34 V)
E(cell) = -1.14 V
Therefore, the cell potential when the copper half-cell is paired with the silver half-cell is -1.14 V.