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Multiple Choice
Using the Nernst equation, calculate the concentration of Cu^2+ ions given the cell potential is 0.5540 V and the standard cell potential is 0.4260 V. The equation is: 0.5540 V = 0.4260 V - (0.0592/2) log ([Cu^2+]/[1]^2). What is the concentration of Cu^2+?
A
2.00 M
B
1.00 M
C
0.10 M
D
0.50 M
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the Nernst equation: E = E° - (RT/nF) ln(Q), where E is the cell potential, E° is the standard cell potential, n is the number of moles of electrons transferred, and Q is the reaction quotient.
Convert the Nernst equation to use base 10 logarithms: E = E° - (0.0592/n) log(Q). In this problem, E = 0.5540 V, E° = 0.4260 V, and n = 2.
Substitute the given values into the equation: 0.5540 V = 0.4260 V - (0.0592/2) log([Cu^2+]/[1]^2).
Rearrange the equation to solve for log([Cu^2+]): log([Cu^2+]) = (0.4260 V - 0.5540 V) / -(0.0592/2).
Calculate the concentration of Cu^2+ by taking the antilog (10^x) of the result from the previous step: [Cu^2+] = 10^(calculated value).