1.Use the activity series from your text to determine whether tin will dissolve

Question

1.Use the activity series from your text to determine whether tin will dissolve in a 1.0M acid solution (a solution of H+ ions) according to the following equation. Explain your answer. Sn(s) + 2H+ (aq) J Sn+2(aq) + H2(g)

2. Would a battery constructed of tin (Sn/Sn+2) and lead (Pb/Pb+2) be of much value? Why or why not? Hint: calculate the reduction potential for the battery.

3. Martin Smythe constructed a potato battery by inserting strips of copper and zinc into a potato. The metal strips were attached to the electrical leads of a clock. What is the voltage produced by the battery?

4. What is the purpose of the potato in question 3?

Explanation / Answer

(1) Yes

Tin can be dissolved in 1.0M acid solutions because tin has less reduction potential than hydrogen. so, H+ ions can oxidise Sn to Sn2+.

(2) E0Sn2+/Sn = - 0.13 V and E0Pb2+/Pb = -0.126 V

E0cell = E0Pb2+/Pb - E0Sn2+/Sn = - 0.126 - ( - 0.13) = 0.004 V

Because of less cell potential generated, the battery may not be that much valuable.

(3) E0Zn2+/Zn = - 0.76 V and E0Cu2+/Cu = 0.34 V

E0cell = E0Cu2+/Cu - E0Zn2+/Zn = 0.34 - ( - 0.76) = 1.10V

(4) Potato acts an electrolyte.

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