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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 73

A voltaic cell employs the following redox reaction: Sn2+(aq) + Mn(s) → Sn(s) + Mn2+(aq) Calculate the cell potential at 25 °C under each set of conditions. c. [Sn2+] = 2.00 M; [Mn2+] = 0.0100 M

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two species, where one species is oxidized (loses electrons) and the other is reduced (gains electrons). In the given reaction, Sn2+ is reduced to Sn, while Mn is oxidized to Mn2+. Understanding the oxidation states and the flow of electrons is crucial for analyzing the cell's behavior.
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Nernst Equation

The Nernst equation relates the cell potential to the concentrations of the reactants and products in a redox reaction. It is expressed as E = E° - (RT/nF) ln(Q), where E° is the standard cell potential, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, n is the number of moles of electrons transferred, F is Faraday's constant, and Q is the reaction quotient. This equation allows for the calculation of cell potential under non-standard conditions.
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Cell Potential

Cell potential, or electromotive force (EMF), is the measure of the energy per unit charge available from a redox reaction in a voltaic cell. It indicates the tendency of the cell to drive the reaction forward. A positive cell potential signifies a spontaneous reaction, while a negative value indicates non-spontaneity. The cell potential can vary with concentration changes, which is why it is essential to consider the specific concentrations given in the problem.
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