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Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of reactants will result in a spontaneous redox reaction at 25°C?
A
Cu(s) + Zn^2+(aq)
B
Ag(s) + Fe^3+(aq)
C
Zn(s) + Cu^2+(aq)
D
Fe(s) + Ag^+(aq)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the half-reactions for each pair of reactants. For example, for Cu(s) + Zn^2+(aq), the half-reactions are: Cu(s) → Cu^2+(aq) + 2e⁻ and Zn^2+(aq) + 2e⁻ → Zn(s).
Look up the standard reduction potentials (E°) for each half-reaction from a standard reduction potential table. For example, E° for Cu^2+/Cu is +0.34 V and for Zn^2+/Zn is -0.76 V.
Calculate the standard cell potential (E°cell) for each reaction by using the formula: E°cell = E°(cathode) - E°(anode). A positive E°cell indicates a spontaneous reaction.
For each pair, determine which species is reduced (gains electrons) and which is oxidized (loses electrons). The species with the higher reduction potential will be reduced.
Compare the calculated E°cell values for each pair of reactants. The pair with the highest positive E°cell value will result in the most spontaneous redox reaction at 25°C.