Chapter 20, Problem 52A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Standard cell potential for lead acid battery is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The standard cell potential of a cell is the cell potential under standard conditions of 1M cell concentrations at 1atm pressure and 25 ? temperature.

Answer to Problem 52A

Correct answer: The standard cell potential for the cell is 1.329V.

Explanation of Solution

The oxidation half reaction for the given cell is:

$PbS{O}_4+2e^{-}\to Pb(s)+S{O}_4{}^{2-}\text{E}°\text{=-0}\text{.356V}$

The reduction half reaction for the given cell is:

$Pb{O}_2(s)+S{O}_4{}^{2-}(aq)+4H_3{O}^{+}(aq)+2e^{-}\to PbS{O}_4(s)+6H_{2}O(l)\text{ E}°\text{=+1}\text{.685V}$

Standard cell potential:

$\begin{array}{l}E{°}_{cell}=E°(oxidation)+E°(reduction)\\ E{°}_{cell}=-0.356+1.685\\ E{°}_{cell}=+1.329V\end{array}$

Conclusion

The Standard cell potential for the given cell is 1.329 V found using the oxidation and reduction potential of its half cell reactions.