Chapter 20, Problem 97A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The cell potential of given reaction is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Cell potential is calculated using formula:

$\begin{array}{l}{E}^0{}_{cell}=E^0(reduction)-E^0(oxidation)\\ where\\ E^0(reduction)isreductionpotentialofreductionhalf\\ E^0(oxidation)isoxidationpotentialofoxidationhalf\end{array}$

Answer to Problem 97A

$E^0{}_{cell}=1.1347V$

Explanation of Solution

The overall reaction is:

$2NADH+2H^{+}+O_2\to 2NA{D}^{+}+2H_{2}O$

From table:

$NA{D}^{+}+H^{+}+2e^{-}\to NADH{E}^0=-0.320V$

$O_2+4H^{+}+4e^{-}\to 2H_{2}O{E}^0=0.8147V$

Reduction potential of equation two is more than equation one therefore oxygen is reduced and $NADH$ is oxidized.

Therefore,

$\begin{array}{c}{E}^0{}_{cell}=E^0(reduction)-E^0(oxidation)\\ =0.8147-(-0.320)\\ =1.1347V\end{array}$

Conclusion

$E^0{}_{cell}=1.1347V$