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2Br – ( aq ) + Pb 2+ ( aq ) Br 2 ( l ) + Pb( s ) 2Br – ( aq ) + Cu 2+ ( aq ) Br

ID: 926237 • Letter: 2

Question

2Br–(aq) + Pb2+(aq) Br2(l) + Pb(s)

2Br–(aq) + Cu2+(aq) Br2(l) + Cu(s)

Cu2+(aq) + Cd(s) Cu(s) + Cd2+(aq)

Cd2+(aq) + Pb(s) Cd(s) + Pb2+(aq)

Pb2+(aq) + Cu(s) Pb(s) + Cu2+(aq)

I know the answer is C, but I'm just not sure why the answer is C.

Consider the following reduction potentials:
Cd2+(aq) + 2e– Cd(s); E° = –0.40 V
Pb2+(aq) + 2e– Pb(s); E° = –0.13 V
Cu2+(aq) + 2e– Cu(s); E° = 0.34 V
Br2(l) + 2e– 2Br–(aq); E° = 1.07 V
Under standard-state conditions, which of the following reactions is spontaneous?

Selected Answer: Answers: A.

2Br–(aq) + Pb2+(aq) Br2(l) + Pb(s)

B.

2Br–(aq) + Cu2+(aq) Br2(l) + Cu(s)

C.

Cu2+(aq) + Cd(s) Cu(s) + Cd2+(aq)

D.

Cd2+(aq) + Pb(s) Cd(s) + Pb2+(aq)

E.

Pb2+(aq) + Cu(s) Pb(s) + Cu2+(aq)

I know the answer is C, but I'm just not sure why the answer is C.

Explanation / Answer

One whose reduction is less will as anode & the one whose reduction potential is more acts as cathode.

Always at anode oxidation & at cathode reduction takes place.

(A)2Br–(aq) + Pb2+(aq) Br2(l) + Pb(s)

standard potential of the cell , Eo = Eocathode - Eoanode

                                                      =   EoPb2+/Pb - EoBr2/Br-

                                                      = -0.13 - (+1.07 ) V

                                                      = -1.20 V

(B) 2Br–(aq) + Cu2+(aq) Br2(l) + Cu(s)

standard potential of the cell , Eo = Eocathode - Eoanode

                                                      = EoBr2/Br- - EoCu2+/Cu

                                                      = +1.07 - (0.34) V

                                                      = +0.73 V

(C) Cu2+(aq) + Cd(s) Cu(s) + Cd2+(aq)

standard potential of the cell , Eo = Eocathode - Eoanode

                                                      = EoCu2+/Cu - EoCd2+/Cd

                                                      = +0.34 - (-0.40) V

                                                      = +0.74 V

(D) Cd2+(aq) + Pb(s) Cd(s) + Pb2+(aq)

standard potential of the cell , Eo = Eocathode - Eoanode

                                                      = EoPb2+/Pb - EoCd2+/Cd

                                                      = -0.13 - (-0.40) V

                                                      = +0.27 V

(E)Pb2+(aq) + Cu(s) Pb(s) + Cu2+(aq)

standard potential of the cell , Eo = Eocathode - Eoanode

                                                      = EoCu2+/Cu - EoPb2+/Pb

                                                      = +0.34 - (-0.13) V

                                                      = +0.47 V

Among these five the standard potential of (C) Cu2+(aq) + Cd(s) Cu(s) + Cd2+(aq) is +0.74V is more so it is more spontaneous.

Therefore the correct option is (C)

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