Chapter 19, Problem 19.145QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown metal, which spontaneously dissolves in ${\text{Fe(NO}}_{\text{3}}{\text{)}}_{\text{2}}$ solution, should be given and its potential should be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Cell potential (EMF):

The maximum potential difference between two electrodes of voltaic cell is known as cell potential.

If standard reduction potentials of electrodes are given the cell potential (EMF) is given by,

${\text{E}}_{\text{cell}}\text{=}{\text{E}}_{\text{cathode}}{\text{-E}}_{\text{anode}}$

Where,

$\begin{array}{l}{\text{E}}_{\text{cathode}}\text{is}\text{the}\text{reduction}\text{half}\text{cell potential}\\ {\text{E}}_{\text{anode}}\text{is}\text{the}\text{oxidation}\text{half}\text{cell potential}\end{array}$

If cell potential is positive, a cell reaction takes place spontaneously.

The sum of half cell potentials gives overall cell potential and more positive SRP containing half cell is a cathode, in cathode, the spices are oxidized to anode and they are gets reduced simultaneously.

If cell contains more number of species means lesser negative (more positive) SRP containing half cell reactions are takes place at the electrodes.