Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Determine whether which of the following redox reactions will occur spontaneously in the forward direction? a) Ni(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Ni2+(aq) + Zn(s) b) Fe(s) + Pb4+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + Pb(s) c) Al(s) + Ag+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + Ag(s) d) Pb(s) + Mn2+ (aq) → Pb2+(aq) + Mn(s)
A
Only b)
B
Both b) and c)
C
a), b) and c)
D
Both c) and d)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the half-reactions for each redox reaction. For example, in reaction a), the half-reactions are: Ni(s) → Ni2+(aq) + 2e- and Zn2+(aq) + 2e- → Zn(s).
Determine the standard reduction potentials (E°) for each half-reaction from a standard reduction potential table. Note that the more positive the E° value, the greater the tendency for the species to be reduced.
Calculate the standard cell potential (E°cell) for each reaction by using the formula: E°cell = E°(cathode) - E°(anode). The cathode is where reduction occurs, and the anode is where oxidation occurs.
Evaluate the spontaneity of each reaction. A positive E°cell indicates that the reaction is spontaneous in the forward direction.
Compare the calculated E°cell values for each reaction to determine which reactions are spontaneous. Only reactions with positive E°cell values will occur spontaneously in the forward direction.