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Part A The following cell has a potential of 0.45 V at 25°C. Pt(s) | H2(1 atm) |

ID: 524189 • Letter: P

Question

Part A

The following cell has a potential of 0.45 V at 25°C.

Pt(s) | H2(1 atm) | H+(? M) || Cl–(1 M) | Hg2Cl2(s) | Hg(l)

The standard half-cell potential for the half-reaction Hg2Cl2(s) + 2 e– 2 Hg(l) + 2 Cl–(aq) is 0.28 V. What is the pH in the anode compartment? The following cell has a potential of 0.45 V at 25°C. Pt(s) | H2(1 atm) | H+(? M) || Cl–(1 M) | Hg2Cl2(s) | Hg(l) The standard half-cell potential for the half-reaction Hg2Cl2(s) + 2 e– 2 Hg(l) + 2 Cl–(aq) is 0.28 V. What is the pH in the anode compartment?

12.3

4.7

2.9

7.6

Explanation / Answer

Applying Nernst equation,

Ecell = E0cell - (0.0591/n) * LogQ

0.45 = 0.28 - (0.0591/2)*LogQ

LogQ = - 5.75

Q = 10-5.75

Q = 1.78 * 10-6

Cell reaction is,

H2 (g) + Hg2Cl2 (s) ---------> 2 H+ (aq.) + 2Hg(l) + 2 Cl- (aq.)

So, Q = [Cl-]2[H+]2

[Cl-]2[H+]2 = 1.78 * 10-6

(1)[H+]2 = 1.78 * 10-6

[H+] = 1.33 * 10-3 M

But,

pH = - Log[H+]

pH = - Log(1.33*10-3)

pH = 2.9