2.3 Assuming standard states for all reactants and products,
determine the spontaneous direction of the following reactions by calculating the cell potential (sic):
[a] Cu + 2HCl = CuCl2 + H2 [Cu + 2H+ = Cu+2 + H2]
***************************************************** Jones is really asking for a calculation of cell voltage!! [1] Cu+2 + 2e-= Cu, Eo(Cu+2/Cu) = 0.342 v; [2] 2H+ + 2e-= H2, Eo(H+/H2) = 0.000 v
Reaction [a] proceeds spontaneously in reverse to what is written...
Vcell = 0.342v, reaction [1] proceeds as written [reduction]; reaction [2] proceeds in reverse [oxidation] the reaction [written as a reduction reaction] with the more positive potential will proceed as the reduction reaction in a cell with the less positive [more negative] reduction reaction proceeding as an oxidation [reduction in reverse].
2.6 Copper immersed in concentrated pure hydrochloric acid is observed
to corrode rapidly with the evolution of gas bubbles. Is this contrary to the results of problem 2.3a? Calculate a cell potential [sic] to prove your answer, making any necessary assumptions. ****************************************************** According to the chemical [CRC] handbook, the concentration of “ pure” HCl is 12.0 M. Assuming unit activity coefficients [poor assumption], pH = -log10[12] = -1.08. Since E(H+/H2) = -0.0592pH, E(H+/H2) = E(Cu+2/Cu) = 0.064 volts. E(Cu+2/Cu) = 0.064 = 0.334 - [0.0592/2]log[1/[Cu+2]]