Skip to content
doubtly
Sign up
Log in to upvote 0 Log in to downvote
Topic: Electrolytic and galvanic cells, electrode potentials· Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry

At 298 K, the standard electrode potentials of Cu^2+/Cu, Zn^2+/Zn, Fe^2+/Fe and Ag^+/Ag are 0.34 V, -0.76 V, -0.44 V and 0.80 V, respectively.On the basis of standard electrode potential, predict which of the following reaction can not occur ?

1. \(2CuSO_4(aq) + 2Ag(s) \to 2Cu(s) + Ag_2SO_4(aq)\)

2. \(CuSO_4(aq) + Zn(s) \to ZnSO_4(aq) + Cu(s)\)

3. \(CuSO_4(aq) + Fe(s) \to FeSO_4(aq) + Cu(s)\)

4. \(FeSO_4(aq) + Zn(s) \to ZnSO_4(aq) + Fe(s)\)

Doubtly Asked NEET UG 2022 Practice test neet Save WhatsApp Report
Sign in to comment

1 answer

Log in to upvote 0 Log in to downvote

Best answer

Answer: 1. \(2CuSO_4(aq) + 2Ag(s) \to 2Cu(s) + Ag_2SO_4(aq)\)

Key idea: a metal can displace another metal from its salt only if its standard reduction potential is lower.

Reaction (1) needs Ag to reduce \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}\). \(E^\circ_{cell}=E^\circ_{Cu^{2+}/Cu}-E^\circ_{Ag^+/Ag}=0.34-0.80=-0.46\) V. This is negative, so it cannot occur.

  • (2) Zn: \(0.34-(-0.76)=+1.10\) V, occurs.
  • (3) Fe: \(0.34-(-0.44)=+0.78\) V, occurs.
  • (4) Zn with \(\mathrm{Fe^{2+}}\): \(-0.44-(-0.76)=+0.32\) V, occurs.
Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report
Was this answer helpful?
Sign in to comment

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.