The Zn/Zn2+ electrode has a standard electrode potential of E ?=?0.76V. How does

Question

The Zn/Zn2+ electrode has a standard electrode potential of E?=?0.76V.

How does the relative potential energy of an electron at the Zn/Zn2+ electrode compare to the potential energy of an electron at the standard hydrogen electrode?

A. An electron at the Zn/Zn2+ electrode has a higher potential energy than an electron at the standard hydrogen electrode.

B. An electron at the Zn/Zn2+ electrode has the same potential energy as an electron at the standard hydrogen electrode.

C. An electron at the Zn/Zn2+ electrode has a lower potential energy than an electron at the standard hydrogen electrode.

D. Nothing can be concluded about the relative potential energy of an electron at the standard electrode potential.

Explanation / Answer

Eo Zn/Zn2+ = -0.76V

Eo SHE =0

At anode we have

Zn ------->Zn2+ + 2e

At cathode we have

2H+ +2e- ------->H2 (g)

Here electrons spontaneously flow from anode to cathode.As we assign Eo for SHE =0.0V and for Eo Zn/Zn2+ = -0.76V. The potential for Zinc electrode is negative which indicate that an elactron at Zn/Zn2+ electrode has greater potential energy than that at SHE.

Note: More negative the electrode potential is, greater the potential energy of an electron at that electrode.

therefore option A is correct which states : An electron at the Zn/Zn2+ electrode has a higher potential energy than an electron at the standard hydrogen electrode

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