Question

An aqueous solution of 1.0 M HCl is oxidized by a lead anode in a half-cell, while a half-cell with a hydrogen electrode is used as the standard reduction potential. If the electrode potential of the lead electrode is -0.13 V, what is the cell potential of the overall reaction?

Answer 1

To determine the cell potential of the overall reaction, we need to consider the standard reduction potentials of both half-cells. The standard reduction potential of the hydrogen electrode is 0 V by definition. The electrode potential of the lead electrode is given as -0.13 V.The overall cell potential  E_cell  can be calculated using the formula:E_cell = E_cathode - E_anodeIn this case, the hydrogen electrode is the cathode  since it has a higher reduction potential  and the lead electrode is the anode. Plugging the values into the formula:E_cell = 0 V -  -0.13 V  = 0.13 VThe cell potential of the overall reaction is 0.13 V.