Answer to Question #347649 in General Chemistry for Meg

Question

For the following overall cell reaction, write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions, calculate the standard cell potential, E^0cell and determine if the reaction is spontaneous or not. Show your work.

Fe^3+(aq) + Cu^+(aq) —> Fe^2+(aq) + Cu^2+(aq)

Answer 1

1.

Fe³⁺ + e^- => Fe²⁺ — reduction half-reaction

Cu⁺ - e^- => Cu²⁺ — oxidation half-reaction

2.

Fe³⁺ + 1e^- => Fe²⁺ E⁰ = 0,771 V

Cu⁺ - 1e^- => Cu²⁺ E⁰ = -0,16 V

E⁰_cell = 0,771 + (-0,16) = 0,611 V

If E°_cell > 0, then the process is spontaneous (galvanic cell) If E°_cell < 0, then the process is non-spontaneous (the voltage must be supplied, as in an electrolytic cell).

therefore, the reaction goes by spontaneous