Chapter 23, Problem 25E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Reducing agent that will reduce VO²⁺ to V³⁺ and no further in acidic solution should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Reducing agents tends to oxidize itself by reducing another component.

The one with highest standard reduction potential reduce 1^st.

Reduction reaction at cathode;

${\text{VO}}^{\text{2+}}{\text{+2H}}^{\text{+}}\text{+e}\to {\text{V}}^{\text{3+}}{\text{+ H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

In an electrochemical cell, there are two electrodes that can be observed.

If oxidation takes place on an electrode, that electrode is called anode. The species in that electrode remove electrons and itself gets oxidized.

If reduction takes place on an electrode, that electrode is called cathode. The species in that electrode absorbs electrons and itself gets reduced.

The electrode potential of cell can be calculated as follows:

$E^0{}_{\text{cell}}=E^0{}_{\text{cathode}} -E^0{}_{\text{anode}}$