Electrochemistry is important in many aspects of daily life.


ADefine voltaic cell.
BBriefly explain the role of the salt bridge.
CUsing the equation $E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{cathode}} - E^\circ_{\text{anode}}$, calculate the overall cell potential for the voltaic cell made with copper/copper (II) nitrate ($E^\circ = 0.34\text{ V}$) and zinc/zinc (II) nitrate ($E^\circ = -0.76\text{ V}$). Be sure to show all steps completed to arrive at the answer.

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

A voltaic cell converts chemical energy to electrical energy through redox reactions. The salt bridge maintains neutrality by allowing ion migration, and the cell potential can be calculated using the formula E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode, resulting in 1.10 V for the given metals. This information highlights the essential components and calculations involved in understanding electrochemistry.


Explanation:

Understanding Voltaic Cells and Their Calculations


A voltaic cell is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy via spontaneous redox reactions. In a voltaic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode, allowing for the generation of an electric current.


Role of the Salt Bridge


The salt bridge plays a crucial role in maintaining electrical neutrality by allowing the migration of ions between the two half-cells. This movement of ions helps to balance the charge, completing the circuit and enabling the redox reaction to continue uninterrupted.


Calculating the Overall Cell Potential


To find the overall cell potential for the voltaic cell made with copper/copper(II) nitrate (E° = 0.34 V) and zinc/zinc(II) nitrate (E° = -0.76 V), we apply the formula:



  1. Identify the cathode and anode:

    • Copper (Cu) is the cathode (reduction), with E° = 0.34 V

    • Zinc (Zn) is the anode (oxidation), with E° = -0.76 V



  2. Use the formula: E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode

  3. Insert the known values:
    E°cell = 0.34 V - (-0.76 V)

  4. Simplify the equation:
    E°cell = 0.34 V + 0.76 V.

  5. Calculate:
    E°cell = 1.10 V.


Thus, the overall cell potential for the voltaic cell is 1.10 V, indicating that the reaction can proceed spontaneously and produce usable electrical energy.


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