Question

Calculate the standard electrode potential for the following redox reaction: Zn(s) + Cu^2+(aq) -> Zn^2+(aq) + Cu(s) Given the standard reduction potentials for Zn^2+(aq)/Zn(s) and Cu^2+(aq)/Cu(s) are -0.76 V and +0.34 V, respectively.

Answer 1

To calculate the standard electrode potential for the given redox reaction, we need to determine the difference in standard reduction potentials between the two half-reactions.The given standard reduction potentials are:Zn^2+ aq  + 2e -> Zn s     E = -0.76 VCu^2+ aq  + 2e -> Cu s     E = +0.34 VWe need to reverse the first half-reaction to make it an oxidation reaction:Zn s  -> Zn^2+ aq  + 2e    E = +0.76 VNow, we can add the two half-reactions together:Zn s  + Cu^2+ aq  -> Zn^2+ aq  + Cu s To find the standard electrode potential  E  for the overall reaction, we can add the standard reduction potentials of the two half-reactions:E overall  = E Zn oxidation  + E Cu reduction E overall  =  +0.76 V  +  +0.34 V E overall  = +1.10 VSo, the standard electrode potential for the given redox reaction is +1.10 V.