Chapter U5.19, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The explanation needs to be given for the selecting the reactants that are put together in an electrochemical cell.

Concept introduction: In an electrochemical cell, the energy is expressed in voltage. The overall voltage is measured as the difference between the potentials of the half cells.

Answer to Problem 2E

The reactants that are put together in an electrochemical cell are chosen in such a way that one reactant can oxidize another reactant allowing the electrons to flow in the circuit connecting the two-half reaction.

Explanation of Solution

The activity series of metal in the order of increasing reactivity is,

Gold < Silver < Mercury < Bismuth < Antimony < Hydrogen < Lead < Tin < Nickel < Cobalt < Cadmium < Iron < Chromium < Zinc < Manganese < Aluminium < Calcium < Strontium < Barium < Lithium < Sodium < Potassium

Using this activity series to predict what will happen in an electrochemical cell. This reactivity series implies that a metal with high reactivity can displace a metal with a low reactivity.

So, the reactants are put together in an electrochemical cell in such a way that one reactant can oxidize another reactant allowing the electrons to flow in the circuit connecting the two-half reaction.

Conclusion

The reactants put together in an electrochemical cell are chosen in such a way that one reactant can oxidize another reactant.