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Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 102b,c

A voltaic cell is constructed that uses the following half-cell reactions:
Cu+(aq) + e- → Cu(s)
I2(s) + 2 e- → 2 I-(aq)
The cell is operated at 298 K with [Cu+] = 0.25 M and [I-] = 0.035 M.
(b) Which electrode is the anode of the cell?
(c) Is the answer to part (b) the same as it would be if the cell were operated under standard conditions?

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1
Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. In the given cell, Cu+(aq) + e- → Cu(s) is the reduction half-reaction, and I2(s) + 2 e- → 2 I-(aq) is the oxidation half-reaction.
Determine which electrode is the anode. The anode is where oxidation occurs. Since I2 is being reduced to I-, the I2/I- half-cell is the anode.
Consider the standard cell potential (E°) for each half-reaction. Under standard conditions, the half-reaction with the lower (more negative) standard reduction potential is the anode.
Compare the cell operation under non-standard conditions to standard conditions. Under non-standard conditions, the concentrations of the ions can affect the cell potential, but the identity of the anode and cathode is determined by the direction of electron flow.
Conclude whether the anode remains the same under standard conditions. Since the identity of the anode is based on the inherent tendency of the half-reactions to oxidize or reduce, it should remain the same under standard conditions.

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Related Practice
Open Question
A voltaic cell is constructed from an Ni2+(aq) / Ni(s) half-cell and an Ag+(aq) / Ag(s) half-cell. The initial concentration of Ni2+(aq) in the Ni2+ - Ni half-cell is [Ni2+] = 0.0100 M. The initial cell voltage is +1.12 V. (a) By using data in Appendix E, calculate the standard emf of this voltaic cell.
Open Question
Will the concentration of Ni2+ in the Ni2+ - Ni half-cell increase or decrease as the cell operates?
Textbook Question

A voltaic cell is constructed that uses the following half-cell reactions:

Cu+(aq) + e- → Cu(s)

I2(s) + 2 e- → 2 I-(aq)

The cell is operated at 298 K with [Cu+] = 0.25 M and [I-] = 0.035 M.

(a) Determine E for the cell at these concentrations.

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Open Question
Using data from Appendix E, calculate the equilibrium constant for the disproportionation of the copper(I) ion at room temperature: 2 Cu+(aq) ⇌ Cu2+(aq) + Cu(s).
Textbook Question
(b) Given the following reduction potentials, calculate the standard emf of the cell: Cd1OH221s2 + 2 e- ¡ Cd1s2 + 2 OH-1aq2 E°red = -0.76 V NiO1OH21s2 + H2O1l2 + e- ¡ Ni1OH221s2 + OH-1aq2 E°red = +0.49 V
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Textbook Question

The capacity of batteries such as the typical AA alkaline battery is expressed in units of milliamp-hours (mAh). An AA alkaline battery yields a nominal capacity of 2850 mAh. (b) The starting voltage of a fresh alkaline battery is 1.55 V. The voltage decreases during discharge and is 0.80 V when the battery has delivered its rated capacity. If we assume that the voltage declines linearly as current is withdrawn, estimate the total maximum electrical work the battery could perform during discharge.

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