Chapter 19, Problem 14E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reaction of $\text{Co(s})+{\text{Ni}}^{2+}(\text{aq})\to {\text{Co}}^{2+}(\text{aq})+\text{Ni}(\text{s})$ has $E{°}_{\text{cell}}=0.02\text{ V}$, whether reaction goes to completion or not needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In order to complete a reaction, the value of $E{°}_{\text{cell}}$ should be positive. This is because for every spontaneous reaction, the value of $\Delta G^o$ should be negative. The relation between $\Delta G^o$ and $E{°}_{\text{cell}}$ is represented as follows:

$\Delta G^o=-nFE{°}_{\text{cell}}$

For positive value of $E{°}_{\text{cell}}$, the value of $\Delta G^o$ will be negative.