Chapter 5, Problem 5.61P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A cell has to be devised and the standard potential of ${\text{Mn}}^{\text{2+}}\text{/Mn}$ should be determined where the standard cell potential is $\text{+2}\text{.54 V}$

Concept introduction:

Electrochemical cell is a device that is used to either produce electricity from chemical reaction or induce chemical reactions using electric energy

In all electrochemical cells, oxidation occurs at anode and reduction occurs at cathode.

An anode is indicated by negative sign and cathode is indicated by the positive sign.

Electrons flow in the external circuit from the anode to the cathode.

Shorthand notation is used for describing the voltaic cell which gives simple idea about the cell and the reactions occurred in the electrodes in the cell.

Shorthand notation of Zn/Cu cell is,

  $Zn|Z{n}^{2+}\Vert C{u}^{2+}|Cu$

The | notation indicates a phase boundary where the electrode and electrolyte are in physical contact.

The || notation indicates the salt bridge.

If additional reactants are required or specific products are formed, they are written with the solution separated by a comma or a semicolon.

Oxidation: Losing electrons, increasing oxidation number. And this process is occurred in anode.

Reduction: Gaining electron, decreasing oxidation number. This process is occurred in cathode.

Cell potential can be calculated from the electrode potentials as follows,

$E_{cell}^0=E_{right}^0-E_{left}^0$