A galvanic cell is constructed with a copper electrode into dipped 0.010 M coppe

Question

A galvanic cell is constructed with a copper electrode into dipped 0.010 M copper(II) sulfate solution and a magnesium electrode dipped into a magnesium sulfate solution of unknown concentration. The cell potential was found to be 2.75 V at 25 degree C, what is the concentration of Mg^2+? ions in the unknown solution? What are two sources of errors that can affect the voltage of a galvanic cell? Based on the Nernst equation, when will the cell potential under nonstandard conditions be the same as the cell potential under standard conditions?

Explanation / Answer

1The sources that can affect the voltage of galvanic cell are as follows :-

1.1Salt bridge should not have been properly inserted as it helps in maintaining electrical neutrality. So further enhancing the ability of electrolyte to ionize. On the other hand it also offers resistance which causes a voltage drop.

1.2The ionic strength can change the voltage , which can be clearly observed from Nernst equation. So if we assume that ionisation is 100% and if it not the case then voltage will drop.

2. According to Nernst equation the cell potential under non standard condition will be equal to standard condition when second part containing log term is zero and it will be zero when ratio of concentration of ions in the solution raised to their respective power is 1.

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