Question

Galvanic Cells Lab: General Chemistry 2

How do different metal/metal ion systems compare with respect to their potential for reduction?

How do the systems compare with a standard reference point?

How do some atypical systems compare with the other metal and metal ion systems?

Answer 1

==> When have reduction potential of two metals provided then-

• The metal with smaller value ( more negative) can oxidise the other metal.
• The metal with greater value ( more positive) can reduce the other metal.

==> In the electrochemical series Hydrogen ( reduction potential = 0 V) is considered as a reference point.

• Metals above it have oxidsing nature.
• Metals below it have reducing nature.

==> When We observe metal and its ion in electrochemical series (reduction series) for comparison-

• the metal present above has more negative value so it can reduce the metals present below it in the series.

EX. Standard reduction potential for Cu and Zn are 0.40 V and -0.76 V,

therefore, Zn can reduce Cu.