Chapter 19, Problem 102AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of $E^{\text{o}}$ for HCl and ${\text{HNO}}_3$ is to be calculated; which acid will oxidize ${\text{Hg to Hg}}_2^{2+}$ under standard-state condition is to be predicted; and the given test tube containing either ${\text{HNO}}_3$ and Hg or HCl and Hg is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

A half reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which either oxidation or reduction takes place as a component of a redox reaction.

The standard emf is represented as $E^{\text{o}}$ and can be calculated by the expression as follows:

$E^{\text{o}}=E_{\text{cathode}}^{\text{o}}-E_{\text{anode}}^{\text{o}}$

Here, $E_{\text{cathode}}^{\text{o}}$ is the standard reduction potential of the cathode and $E_{\text{anode}}^{\text{o}}$ is the standard reduction potential of the anode.