Question

Please write a balanced redox equation for the spontaneous reaction between the Cu/Ag half cells

(Would it be different if it was not spontaneous reaction?, if so, can you explain the reason?)

Thanks

Answer 1

1)

Lets take Eo 1st

from data table:

Eo(Cu2+/Cu(s)) = 0.337 V

Eo(Ag+/Ag(s)) = 0.7996 V

the electrode with the greater Eo value will be reduced and it will be cathode

here:

cathode is (Ag+/Ag(s))

anode is (Cu2+/Cu(s))

The chemical reaction taking place is

2 Ag⁺(aq) + Cu(s) --> 2 Ag(s) + Cu²⁺(aq)

Answer:

2 Ag⁺(aq) + Cu(s) --> 2 Ag(s) + Cu²⁺(aq)

2)

If it was not spontaneous, Eo cell should come out to be negative.

So, anode and cathode would be inter changed and hence reaction will be reversed.

2 Ag(s) + Cu2+(aq) —> 2 Ag+(aq) + Cu(s)