Electrode Potential

Overview

Electrode potential refers to the voltage developed at an electrode when it is in contact with a solution containing its own ions, and it is a measure of the tendency of the electrode to either gain or lose electrons. This potential is quantified as the standard electrode potential (E°), which is measured under standard conditions (1 M concentration, 25°C, and 1 atm pressure) and is represented on a scale where the standard hydrogen electrode is assigned a value of 0.00 volts. The electrode potential is crucial for understanding redox reactions and is used to predict the direction of electron flow in electrochemical cells

Questions and Answers

  1. What is electrode potential?

    Electrode potential is the voltage developed at an electrode when it is in contact with a solution containing its own ions, indicating the tendency of the electrode to gain or lose electrons

  2. How is the electrode potential of zinc measured?

    The electrode potential of zinc is measured by establishing a galvanic cell between a zinc electrode dipped in a 1 M solution of its ions and the standard hydrogen electrode, resulting in a reading of 0.76 volts

  3. What does a positive standard electrode potential indicate?

    A positive standard electrode potential indicates that the element has a greater tendency to gain electrons (be reduced) compared to the standard hydrogen electrode

  4. What factors can affect the values of standard electrode potentials?

    The values of standard electrode potentials can be affected by changes in temperature, concentration, and pressure

  5. How is the electrode potential related to redox reactions?

    Electrode potential is crucial for understanding redox reactions, as it helps predict the direction of electron flow and the feasibility of the reactions

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the relationship between oxidation potential and reduction potential?

    a) They are the same
    b) Oxidation potential is the negative of reduction potential
    c) Oxidation potential is always higher
    d) Oxidation potential is always lower
    Answer: b) Oxidation potential is the negative of reduction potential

  2. What is the significance of the electrochemical series?

    a) It lists elements by their atomic mass
    b) It predicts the feasibility of redox reactions
    c) It measures the boiling points of elements
    d) It determines the density of solutions
    Answer: b) It predicts the feasibility of redox reactions

  3. What happens to the values of standard electrode potentials when temperature changes?

    a) They remain constant
    b) They increase
    c) They decrease
    d) They can be affected
    Answer: d) They can be affected

  4. What is the potential of a single electrode in contact with its own ions called?

    a) Standard electrode potential
    b) Electrode potential
    c) Oxidation potential
    d) Reduction potential
    Answer: b) Electrode potential

  5. Which of the following is true about the standard reduction potential of copper?

    a) It is -0.34 volts
    b) It is +0.34 volts
    c) It is 0.00 volts
    d) It is +0.76 volts
    Answer: b) It is +0.34 volts