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uk 2-July-2016 Chemsheets A2 1076 Page 1

 SECTION 1 – AS REDOX REVISION
1) Oxidation states

 When using oxidation states, we effectively imagine everything to be an ion – the oxidation state is the charge it would
have if it was an ion.
 Assigning oxidation states:

1) On simple ions, the oxidation state is the charge on the ion

2+ –
e.g. Cu (Cu +2); Cl (Cl –1); Al2O3 (Al +3, O -2)

2) In elements, the oxidation state is always zero

e.g. Cl2 (Cl 0)

3) The total of all the oxidation states must always equal the overall charge on the species.

4) In molecules and more complex ions, the more electronegative element is assumed to be the negative ion

5) H is nearly always +1 and oxygen –2

e.g. CH4 (C -4, H +1); CO2 (C +4, O -2); H2O (H +1, O -2)

TASK 1 – Oxidation states

1) Calculate the oxidation state of the stated element in the following species:
2+
a) Fe in Fe ……… FeCl3 ……… FeCl2 ……… K2FeO4 ……… [Fe(H2O)6] ………
- –
b) Cl in Cl2 ……… ClO3 ……… ClO ……… Cl2O7 ……… NaCl ………

2) Calculate the oxidation state of each element in the following:

SO2 S O H2O2 H O
S S NaH Na H
2–
SO3 S O CO3 C O
H2S H S Cr2O3 Cr O
NH3 N H CrO3 Cr O
NO2 N O KMnO4 K Mn O
N2 N K2MnO4 K Mn O
–
NO3 N O Cu2O Cu O
–
Cl Cl CuO Cu O
2–
SO4 S O NaCuCl2 Na Cu Cl

3) Give the oxidation state of the transition metal in each of the following species.
2+ 2–
a) [Co(H2O)6] Co ……… e) [FeO4] Fe ……… i) K2[CoCl4] Co ………
3– 4–
b) [CrCl6] Cr ……… f) [Mn(CN)6] Mn ……… j) K3[AuF6] Au ………
c) [Co(NH3)6]Cl2 Co ……… g) [Ni(CO)4] Ni ……… k) (NH4)2[IrCl6] Ir ………
2–
d) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 Co ……… h) [Ni(EDTA)] Ni ……… l) Na[Mn(CO)5] Mn ………

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2) Writing half equations

MnO4–  Mn2+ N2O  NO3–

1) Work out oxidation states Mn(+7) to Mn(+2) N(+1) to N(+5)

2) Balance the element which changes already balanced There are 2N on the left so we need 2NO3–
oxidation state on the right to balance the Ns
N2O  2NO3–

3) Balance the electrons Mn(+7) gains 5e– to form Mn(+2) N(+1) loses 4e– to form N(+5); as there are
2N that each lose 4e–, then 8e– are lost
MnO4– + 5 e–  Mn2+
N2O  2NO3– + 8 e–

4) Balance O’s with H2O Need to add 4O’s on the right so add 4H2O Need to add 5O’s on the left so add 5H2O
on the right on the left
MnO4– + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O N2O + 5H2O  2NO3– + 8 e–

5) Balance H’s with H+ Need to add 8H’s on the left so add 8H+ on Need to add 10H’s on the right so add 10H+
the left on the right
MnO4– + 5e– + 8H+  Mn2+ + 4H2O N2O + 5H2O  2NO3– + 8e– + 10H+

6) Check half equation by checking LHS total charge = 1- 5- 8+ = 2+ LHS total charge = 0
total charge on both sides of the
RHS total charge = 2+ RHS total charge = 2- 8- 10+ = 0
equation is the same (if they are the
same then the equation is probably
right – if they are not the same it is
definitely wrong!)

TASK 2 – Writing half equations

Write half equations for each of the following conversions.

–
a) I  I2 ..........................................................................................................................................................

 Fe
2+ 3+
b) Fe ..........................................................................................................................................................

c) Fe  Fe
2+
..........................................................................................................................................................

–
d) Cl  Cl2 ..........................................................................................................................................................

 SO2
2-
e) SO4 ..........................................................................................................................................................

 VO2
2+ +
f) VO ..........................................................................................................................................................

 H2S
2–
g) SO4 ..........................................................................................................................................................

h) H2O2  O2 ..........................................................................................................................................................

 Cr2O7
3+ 2–
i) Cr ..........................................................................................................................................................

 CO2
2–
j) C2O4 ..........................................................................................................................................................

 Hg
2+
k) Hg2 ..........................................................................................................................................................

–
l) lO3  l2 ..........................................................................................................................................................

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3) Combining half equations

– –
MnO4 + 5e + 8H  Mn + 4H2O
+ 2+
e.g. combine these two half equations: (equation 1)
–
Fe  Fe + e
2+ 3+
(equation 2)

Step 1 – balance the electrons: Equation 2 x5 to balance the electrons

– –
MnO4 + 5e + 8H  Mn + 4H2O
+ 2+
Equation 1
–
5Fe  5Fe + 5e
2+ 3+
Equation 2 x5

Step 2 – add the half equations together (the electrons should cancel):
– – –
 Mn + 4H2O + 5Fe + 5e
+ 2+ 2+ 3+
MnO4 + 5e + 8H + 5Fe
–
 Mn + 4H2O + 5Fe
+ 2+ 2+ 3+
Final equation: MnO4 + 8H + 5Fe

TASK 3 – Combining half equations

Combine these half equations to produce redox reactions.

–
Zn  Zn + 2e
2+
1)
–
Fe + e  Fe
3+ 2+

–
Cr2O7 + 6e + 14H  2Cr + 7H2O
2– + 3+
2)
–
 Fe + e
2+ 3+
Fe

–
H2SO4 + 8e + 8H  H2S + 4H2O
+
3)
– –
2I  I2 + 2e

– –
MnO4 + 5e + 8H  Mn + 4H2O
+ 2+
4)
– –
2Cl  Cl2 + 2e

– –
MnO4 + 5e + 8H  Mn + 4H2O
+ 2+
5)
–
H2O2  O2 + 2H + 2e
+

– –
6) 2I  I2 + 2e
– –
2IO3 + 10e + 12H  I2 + 6H2O
+

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 4) Redox processes
O xidation
I s
L oss
of electrons
R eduction
I s
G ain

 A redox reaction is one in which one or more elements change oxidation state.

e.g. CuSO4 + Zn → Cu + ZnSO4

Cu +2 0
S +6 +6
O -2 -2
Zn 0 +2 Cu reduced from +2 to 0; Zn oxidised from 0 to +2 redox reaction

 A disproportionation reaction is one in which an element is both oxidised and reduced.

e.g. Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HOCl

Cl 0 -1 +1
H +1 +1 +1 Cl reduced from 0 to -1 and oxidised from 0 to +1 redox reaction
O -2 -2 (disproportionation)

 An oxidising agent (oxidant) is the substance that does the oxidising (i.e. takes away the electrons from the substance
that is oxidised, and so the oxidising agent is itself reduced).

 An reducing agent (reductant) is the substance that does the reducing (i.e. donates the electrons to the substance that
is reduced, and so the reducing agent is itself oxidised)

TASK 4 – Redox reactions or not?

Redox Disproportionati Species Species Oxidising Reducing

Equation on reaction?
reaction? oxidised reduced agent agent

Fe2O3 + 3CO  2Fe + 3CO2

Mg + 2HCl  MgCl2 + H2

MgO + 2HCl  MgCl2 + H2O

Al2O3 + 2Fe  2Al + Fe2O3

–
+ 4Cl  [CoCl4] + 6H2O
2+ 2-
[Co(H2O)6]

Na2O + H2O  2NaOH

2H2O2  2H2O + O2

2NaBr + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + 2HBr

Cl2 + 2NaOH → NaCl + NaOCl + H2O

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 TASK 5 – General AS Redox Questions

1) a) Write balanced half-equations for each of the following oxidation or reduction processes.
-
i) Br to Br2 iv) H2SO4 to S
– – +
ii) N2 to NO3 v) NO3 to NH4
3+ 2+ –
iii) V to VO vi) BrO3 to Br2 (6)

-
b) Write a redox equation for the reaction of H2SO4 with Br ions, producing S and Br2, using the half-equations
from (a). Also state which species is oxidised, which is reduced, and the oxidising and reducing agents. (3)

c) When concentrated nitric acid is added to copper metal, the copper is oxidised to oxidation state +2 and the
nitric acid is reduced to nitrogen (IV) oxide. Derive half-equations and then write an equation for the reaction.
(Total 12)

2) State whether the following three reactions are redox reactions or not. For those that are redox reactions,
clearly indicate any changes in oxidation state.
a) Zn + 2 HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
b) CuO + 2 HCl  CuCl2 + H2O

c) MnO2 + 4 HCl  MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2 H2O

d) Cl2 + H2O  HCl + HOCl (7)
(Total 7)

3) a) Explain, in terms of electrons, what happens to oxidising and reducing agents in reactions. (1)

b) Using these definitions, explain which species is oxidised and which is reduced, and the oxidising and
reducing agent in reaction below. (2)
Mg + H2SO4  MgSO4 + H2

c) What is the oxidation state of each element in the following species:

Na2SO4 Na2S2O3 Na2SO3 S8 KClO3 KClO KH Na2O2 Na2O (9)
(Total 12)

4) a) For each of the following reduction or oxidation processes write a half equation.
+
i) conversion of H to H2
2– 2–
ii) conversion of SO4 to SO3
iii) conversion of H2O2 to O2
–
iv) conversion of IO3 to I2
–
v) conversion of I to I2 (5)

- -
b) Use your half-equations to write a redox equation for the reaction of IO3 with I to form I2. (1)
(Total 6)

–
MnO4 + 8 H + 5 e  Mn + 4 H2O
+ - 2+
5) Write redox equations for the
–
2 Cl  Cl2 + 2 e
following reactions using the half- -

equations provided. –
2 Cr + 7 H2O  Cr2O7 + 14 H + 6 e
3+ 2– +

- -
a) Reaction of acidified MnO4 and Cl . (1)

- 3+
b) Reaction of acidified MnO4 and Cr . (1)
(Total 2)

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 SECTION 2 – ELECTRODE POTENTIALS

1) The potential of an electrode


n+
When a piece of metal (M) is dipped into a solution of its metal ions (M ), an equilibrium is set up. There is a tendency
for the metal to form positive ions and go into solution. However, there is also a tendency for the metal ions in solution to
gain electrons and form metal.

n+ –
M (aq) + n e ⇌ M(s)
2+ –
e.g. Zn (aq) + 2 e ⇌ Zn(s)

 If this equilibrium lies to the left, then the metal acquires a negative charge due to a build up of electrons on the metal
(the electrode has a negative potential).
 If the equilibrium lies to the right, then a positive charge builds up on the metal as electrons have been used up to form
metal from the metal ions (the electrode has a positive potential).
 The position of the equilibrium (and so the charge on the metal) depends on the metal. For example, reactive metals
n+
tend to form M ions, so negative charge builds up on the metal (so reactive metals have negative potentials). The more
unreactive metals tend to have positive charge on the metal (so unreactive metals have positive potentials).
 A metal dipping into a solution of its ions is called a half-cell or an electrode.
 There are other types of half-cell where there is no solid metal involved in the half-equation. For these half-cells, a metal
electrode is required and usually platinum is used as it is so unreactive (an inert electrode).
 Here are three general types of electrode.

i) Metal electrodes These are the type met above, which consist of a metal surrounded by a solution of its ions,
2+
e.g. Zn(s) | Zn (aq).
ii) Gas electrodes This is for a gas and a solution of its ions. Here an inert metal (usually platinum) is the actual
+
electrode to allow the flow of electrons, e.g. Pt(s) | H2(g) | H (aq)
2+ 3+
iii) Redox electrodes This is for two different ions of the same element (e.g. Fe and Fe ), where the two types of
ions are present in solution with an inert metal electrode (usually Pt) to allow the flow of
2+ 3+
electrons. e.g. Pt(s) | Fe (aq), Fe (aq)

2) Measuring the potential of an electrode

 The actual potential (E) of a half-cell cannot be measured directly.

 To measure it, it has to be connected to another half-cell of known potential, and the potential difference between the two
half-cells measured.
 Combining two half-cells together produces an electrochemical cell.
 Before the potential of any half-cells could be measured, a potential had to be assigned to one particular half-cell (then
the potential of all the other electrodes could be measured against it).
 The electrode chosen was the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) and this electrode is assigned the potential of 0
volts.
 The SHE is known as the primary standard as it is the potential to which all others are compared.

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3) Setting up an electrochemical cell

 The two half cells are joined together to give a complete circuit:
 the two metals are joined with a wire (electrons flow through the wire)
 the two solutions are joined with a salt bridge (ions flow through the salt bridge)
 a voltmeter is often included in the circuit to allow the potential difference (emf) to be measured

 A salt bridge is either

 a piece of filter paper soaked with a solution of unreactive ions or
 a tube containing unreactive ions in an agar gel
–

+
Compounds such as KNO3 are often used in salt bridge as K and NO3 ions are quite unreactive.

Salt bridge [strip of filter paper

soaked in saturated KNO3(aq)]

One of the two half cells [a piece of

zinc in a solution of zinc nitrate(aq)]

4) Standard conditions

 There are several factors which affect the potential of a half-cell, so they are measured under standard conditions.
-3
cell concentration 1.0 mol dm of the ions involved in the half-equation
cell temperature 298 K
cell pressure 100 kPa (only affects half-cells with gases)

 The potential should also be measured under zero-current conditions [to measure the full potential difference (emf), no
current must be drawn from the cell - this is achieved by using a high resistance voltmeter.
 A standard potential is written as E.


 Standard conditions are required because the position of the redox equilibrium will change with conditions. For example,
in the equilibrium:
n+ –
M (aq) + n e ⇌ M(s)
n+
an decrease in the concentration of M would move the equilibrium to the left, so making the potential more negative.

5) Standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)

 The potential of all electrodes are measured by comparing their potential H2 at 100 kPa
to that of the standard hydrogen electrode. salt bridge

 This is therefore called the primary standard as it is the standard to

which all other potentials are compared.
o o

+ – o
2H (aq) + 2 e ⇌ H2(g) E = +0.00 V o
o o
o
temperature
o
= 298 K o o


+
The cell notation is: Pt(s) | H2(g) | H (aq) o
Pt o

1.0 M H+(aq)

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 TASK 6 – The effect of changing conditions on electrode potential

+ – -1
The standard potential for this half equation is exactly 0.00 V: 2H (aq) + 2e ⇌ H2(g) (H = -874 kJ mol )

a) What are the conditions under which the potential is 0.00 V?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

b) Why is the potential exactly 0.00 V under these conditions?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

c) In each case, state and explain if the value of the potential for this half equation would become more or less than 0.00
V, if it changes at all, if the change stated was made:
i) use hydrogen gas at 200 kPa

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

ii) use a piece of platinum with a greater surface area

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
-3
iii) use H2SO4(aq) with concentration 0.500 mol dm

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
-3
iv) use HCl(aq) with concentration 2.00 mol dm

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

v) use a temperature of 50C

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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6) Writing conventional representations of cells (cell notation)

 Rather than drawing complicated diagrams of electrochemical cells, a shorthand form is written. Two examples are
shown below.

R O || O R
left hand half cell right hand half cell

Cu(s) | Cu2+(aq) || Zn2+(aq) | Zn(s)

phase boundary phase boundary

salt bridge

V
high resistance
voltmeter left hand half cell right hand half cell

H2 at 100 kPa
salt bridge

Pt(s) | H2(g) | H+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)

o o
o
Cu
o o
o o
temperature
o
= 298 K o o
o o
Pt
phase boundaries phase boundary
1.0 M H+(aq) 1.0 M Cu2+(aq) salt bridge

where | represents a phase boundary (i.e. between species in different states)

|| represents a salt bridge

 Note that the actual solid electrodes are written at the two ends. If there is no solid metal in the half equation, then a
piece of platinum is used.
 Note that the most oxidised species are near the salt bridge in the middle, i.e. the ones with the highest oxidation state
(= O) (ROOR – reduced, oxidised, oxidised, reduced).
 Note the convention that the half cell with the more positive potential is set up as the right hand electrode, and so cells
are usually drawn that way (except when measuring potentials against primary or secondary standards when the
standard electrode is always the left hand electrode).

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 TASK 7 – Writing conventional representations of cells

Write the conventional representation for each of the following cells.

2+ 2+ 3+ 2+
Zn (aq) + 2 e- ⇌ Zn(s) Cu (aq) + 2 e- ⇌ Cu(s) Al (aq) + 3 e- ⇌ Al(s) Pb (aq) + 2 e- ⇌ Pb(s)

………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………...

Cr2O72-

Cr3+
H+ Mn2+
hydrogen ion

+ 2+
2H (aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) Fe (aq) + 2e- ⇌ Fe(s)
2- -
Cr2O7 (aq) + 14H+ + 6e- ⇌ 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O MnO4 (aq) + 8H+ + 5e- ⇌ Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O

………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………

+ 2+
2+
Ni (aq) + 2e- ⇌ Ni(s)
+
2H (aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) Ag (aq) + e- ⇌ Ag(s) Zn (aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s)

………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………

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7) Measuring E versus the SHE

 For any cell, its emf (Eºcell) is the potential of the right hand electrode minus the potential of the left hand electrode:

emf = Eºcell = Eºright - Eºleft

 When finding the potential of a half-cell under test, the standard electrode is always the left hand electrode, which in the
case of the SHE gives:
Eºcell = Eºtest - EºSHE  Eºcell = Eºtest

2+ 2+
Eºcell = Eº (Cu /Cu) = + 0.340 V Eºcell = Eº (Zn /Zn) = – 0.763 V
+ 2+ + 2+
Pt(s) | H2(g) | H (aq) || Cu (aq) | Cu(s) Pt(s) | H2(g) | H (aq) || Zn (aq) | Zn(s)

8) The use of secondary standards

 The SHE is difficult to use (partly as it involves use of a gas, and one that it flammable), so often a different standard is
used which is easier to use
 These other standards are themselves calibrated against the SHE.
 This is known as using a secondary standard - i.e. a standard electrode that has been calibrated against the primary
standard

9) The redox process

 Metal atoms lose electrons at the one

electrode (oxidation), making the electrode
negative, which travel through the wire to
the other electrode, adding to ions to
produce metal atoms (reduction).
 Remember: oxidation / anode / negative
 Remember also that usually the positive
electrode is the right hand electrode

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 TASK 8 – Electrode potentials

+
1) Calculate the standard electrode potential of the Na /Na electrode given that when it was joined to the standard
hydrogen electrode, the cell emf was –2.71 volts.

2) Calculate the emf of a cell with the standard AgCl/Ag electrode (Eº = +0.22 V) as the left hand electrode and the
2+
Fe /Fe (Eº = –0.44 V) electrode as the right hand one.

2+ 2+
3) a) Calculate the emf of a standard cell: Zn(s) | Zn (aq) || Pb (aq) | Pb(s)
2+ –
given that: Zn (aq) + 2 e ⇌ Zn(s) Eº = -0.76 V
2+ –
Pb (aq) + 2 e ⇌ Pb(s) Eº = -0.13 V
2+
b) If the same cell was set up under standard conditions except for the concentration of the Pb (aq) ions which would
-3
be 0.500 mol dm , how would the emf compare to part (a). Explain your answer.

2+ –
4) Calculate Eºcell of the following cells using the Eº Ni (aq) + 2e ⇌ Ni(s) Eº = -0.25 V
values. 4+ – 2+
Sn (aq) + 2e ⇌ Sn (aq) Eº = +0.15 V
– –
a) Ni(s)  Ni (aq)  Sn (aq), Sn (aq)  Pt(s)
2+ 4+ 2+
I2(s) + 2e ⇌ 2 I aq) Eº = +0.54 V
+ –
–
b) Pt(s)  I (aq)  I2(s)  Ag (aq)  Ag(s)
+ Ag (aq) + e ⇌ Ag(s) Eº = +0.80 V
– –
– Br2(l) + 2e ⇌ 2 Br (aq) Eº = +1.07 V
c) Pt(s)  Cl (aq)  Cl2(g)  Br2(l), Br (aq)  Pt(s)
-
– –
Cl2(g) + 2e ⇌ 2 Cl (aq) Eº = +1.36 V

2+
5) Calculate the E of the Cu /Cu couple given:
2+ –
Cu(s) | Cu (aq) || Cl2(g) | Cl (aq) | Pt(s) Eºcell = +1.02 V
– –
Cl2(g) + 2e ⇌ 2 Cl (aq) Eº = +1.36 V

6) Calculate the standard electrode potentials of the half-cells for which the potential is not given. Write your answer
by writing the half equation with its potential.

a) Mg(s)  Mg (aq)  Ti (aq), Ti (aq)  Pt(s)

2+ 3+ 2+
Eºcell = +2.00 V
2+ –
Mg (aq) + 2e ⇌ Mg(s) Eº = -2.38 V

b) K(s)  K (aq)  Mg (aq)  Mg(s)

+ 2+
Eºcell = +0.54 V
2+ –
Mg (aq) + 2e ⇌ Mg(s) Eº = -2.38 V

c) Pt(s)  Hg(l)  Hg2Cl2(aq), KCl(aq)  Rb (aq)  Rb(s)

+
Eºcell = -3.19 V
– –
Hg2Cl2(aq) + 2e ⇌ 2 Hg(l) + 2 Cl (aq) Eº = +0.27 V

7) For each of the following questions,

i) Draw the cell notation for the cell produced when the two half cells are joined via a salt bridge.
ii) Calculate the cell emf.
Remember the cell emf should be positive, although it may not be if the SHE is involved.
2+ –
a) Cr (aq) + 2e ⇌ Cr(s) Eº = -0.91 V
2+ –
Zn (aq) + 2e ⇌ Zn(s) Eº = -0.76 V
2+ –
b) Cu (aq) + 2e ⇌ Cu(s) Eº = +0.34 V
3+ – 2+
Fe (aq) + e ⇌ Fe (aq) Eº = +0.77 V
– + – 2+
c) MnO4 (aq) + 8H (aq) + 5e ⇌ Mn (aq) + 4H2O(l) Eº = +1.51 V
– –
Cl2(g) + 2e ⇌ 2Cl (aq) Eº = +1.36 V

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 SECTION 3 – USING THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SERIES

1) What is the electrochemical series

 The electrochemical series is a list of electrode potentials in order of decreasing (or increasing) potential .
 Part of the electrochemical series is shown below.

Very positive potentials mean that they are

good at attracting electrons (by taking them
from something else which is oxidised) – it is
the species on the left of these equations that
do this so they are the best oxidising agents

Very negative potentials mean that they are

good at giving away electrons (by giving them
to something else which is reduced) – it is the
species on the right of these equations that
do this so they are the best reducing agents

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2) Using the electrochemical series

 The electrochemical series is a list of electrode potentials in order of decreasing (or increasing) potential .
 At times, remember the golden rule that when two half equations are put together, the once with the more positive
potential gets the electrons (makes sense as the positive one attracts the negative electrons.

The more positive half

equation gains the electrons

– -
Example question 1 What reaction will take place when the Cl2/Cl half cell is joined to the Br2/Br half cell? Explain
why this happens.
– – – -
Cl2 + 2e ⇌ 2 Cl E° = +1.36 V Br2 + 2e ⇌ 2 Br E° = +1.09 V
– –
Cl2 + 2e ⇌ 2 Cl E° = +1.36 V this is more positive so gains electrons (and so goes in the forwards direction)
– -
Br2 + 2e ⇌ 2 Br E° = +1.09 V this therefore goes backwards
– – – –
 Cl2 + 2e  2 Cl and 2 Br  Br2 + 2e
– –
so overall: Cl2 + 2 Br  2 Cl + Br2
– –
this happens as E° (Cl2/ Cl ) is more positive than E° (Br2/ Br ) and so Cl2 gains electrons

2+ 2+
Example question 2 The Cu /Cu and Zn /Zn half cells were joined.
2+ – 2+ –
Zn + 2e ⇌ Zn E° = -0.76 V Cu + 2e ⇌ Cu E° = +0.34 V
a) Write an equation for the chemical reaction that takes place.
b) Explain why this reaction takes place.
c) State which is the positive electrode.
d) State at which electrode oxidation takes place.
e) Calculate the cell emf.

– 0 +
– electrode + electrode a) Reactions: Zn → Zn + 2 e
2+ –
2+ –
– Cu + 2 e → Cu
e 2+ 2+
Equation: Zn + Cu → Zn + Cu
+1.10 V
2+
+0.34 V b) this happens as E° (Cu /Cu) is more
2+ 2+
2+ –
positive than E° (Zn /Zn) and so Cu
Cu + 2e ⇌ Cu gains electrons
2+
c) positive electrode = Cu /Cu

–0.76 V d) oxidation at negative electrode

2+ –
Zn + 2e ⇌ Zn e) cell emf = +1.10 V

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 TASK 9 – Using the electrochemical series

2+ 2+
1) a) Write an equation for the reaction that would take place if the Zn (aq)/Zn(s) and Ni (aq)/Ni(s) half-cells were
connected together.
b) Explain why this reaction takes place.
2+ – 2+ –
Zn + 2e ⇌ Zn E° = -0.76 V Ni + 2e ⇌ Ni E° = -0.25 V

2) What reaction would take place if a piece of silver and copper was placed in a solution containing a mixture of
silver nitrate and copper sulphate. Justify this using electrode potential data.
+ – 2+ –
Ag + e ⇌ Ag E° = +0.80 V Cu + 2e ⇌ Cu E° = +0.34 V

- 2- 3+
3) Which of the species MnO4 (aq), Cr2O7 (aq) and Fe (aq) are able to liberate Cl2 from an acidic solution of sodium
chloride? Explain your reasoning using the electrode potentials.
– – + 2+
MnO4 + 5e + 8H ⇌ Mn + 4H2O E° = +1.51 V
– –
Cl2 + 2e ⇌ 2 Cl E° = +1.36 V
2– – + 3+
Cr2O7 + 6e + 14H ⇌ 2Cr + 7H2O E° = +1.33 V
3+ – 2+
Fe + e ⇌ Fe E° = +0.77 V

4) Electrochemical cells are set by combining the two half cells shown. In each case:
i) Give the conventional representation of the cell.
ii) Calculate the cell emf.
iii) Identify the anode.
iv) Write a balanced equation for the reaction that will take place in the cell.
v) Explain why the reaction takes place.
– - + –
a) Br2(l) + 2 e ⇌ 2 Br (aq) E° = +1.09 V 2 H (aq) + 2 e ⇌ H2(g) E° = +0.00 V
2+ – 3+ – 2+
b) Cu (aq) + 2 e ⇌ Cu(s) E° = +0.34V Fe (aq) + e ⇌ Fe (aq) E° = +0.77 V

5) Two half cells are joined together. Each half cell contains copper nitrate solution. The standard potential for
2+
Cu /Cu is +0.34 volts.
Cu(s) Cu (aq) Cu (aq)Cu(s)
2+ 2+

-3
In the left hand half cell the copper nitrate has a concentration of 1.00 mol dm (with a potential of +0.34 V) and in
-3
the right hand half cell the concentration is 0.500 mol dm .
a) Will the potential of the right hand half cell be the same as +0.34 V, or more or less than this value. Explain your
answer.
b) Which electrode will be the anode?
c) Which way will electrons flow in the cell? Explain your answer.

6) For each of the following questions, predict whether the reaction will take place or not in aqueous solution. Give
clear reasons for your prediction. If the reaction does occur, write an equation for the reaction. (Use the
electrode potentials on page 14).
+ 2+
a) Will H oxidise Fe to Fe ?
+ 2+
b) Will H oxidise Cu to Cu ?
2- + –
c) Will Cr2O7 /H oxidise Cl to Cl2?
- + –
d) Will MnO4 /H oxidise Cl to Cl2?
3+ 2+
e) Will Mg reduce V to V ?

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 SECTION 4 – COMMERICAL CELLS
 Electrochemical cells can be used as a commercial source of electrical energy. Important types of cell include non-
rechargeable, rechargeable and fuels cells.
 One great advantage of this is that it is a source of portable electricity.
 Note that a battery is more than one cell joined together (e.g. a car battery is made from six cells joined together) – what
the general public calls a battery should usually be called a cell.

1) Non-rechargeable cells

 In these cells, the chemicals are used up over time and the emf drops. Once one or more of the chemicals have been
completely used up, the cell is flat and the emf is 0 volts.
 These cells cannot be recharged and have to be disposed of after their single use.

Zinc-carbon
 This is the standard, cheap non-rechargeable cell
but has a fairly short life
2+ –
–0.80 V Zn(NH3)2 + 2e ⇌ Zn + 2NH3
+ –
+0.70 V 2MnO2 + 2H + 2e ⇌ Mn2O3 + H2O

cell emf =

overall reaction during discharge =

Alkaline  This is a higher cost cell but has a longer life

2+ –
–0.76 V Zn + 2e ⇌ Zn
– –
+0.84 V MnO2 + H2O + e ⇌ MnO(OH) + OH

emf =

overall reaction during discharge =

2) Rechargeable cells

 In rechargeable cells the reactions are reversible – they are reversed by applying an external current and regenerate the
chemicals.

Lithium ion  Used in phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, etc.

+ –
+0.60 V Li + CoO2 + e ⇌ LiCoO2
+ –
-3.00 V Li + e ⇌ Li

emf =

overall reaction during discharge =

overall reaction during re-charge =

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 Lead-acid
 Make of six cells & used in cars.

+ – –
+1.68 V PbO2 + 3H + HSO4 + 2e ⇌ PbSO4 + 2H2O
+ – –
–0.36 V PbSO4 + H + 2 e ⇌ Pb + HSO4

emf =

overall reaction during discharge =

ANODE (-ve)
overall reaction during re-charge =

Nickel-cadmium
– –
+0.52 V NiO(OH) + 2H2O + 2e ⇌ Ni(OH)2 + 2OH
– –
–0.88 V Cd(OH)2 + 2e ⇌ Cd + 2OH

emf =

overall reaction during discharge =

overall reaction during re-charge =

3) Fuel cells

 Fuel cells are somewhat different to other

cells. They have a continuous supply of the
chemicals into the cell and so neither run out
of chemicals nor need re-charging, (but they
do need to have a constant supply of the
required chemicals).
 The most common fuel cell is the hydrogen-
oxygen fuel cell.

tubes bringing
hydrogen and
oxygen to the
fuel cell

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 The diagram outlines at a simple level how a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell works.

H2 IN

-
ANODE (-ve) + – e electrons move between
H2 ⟶ 2H + 2e
electrodes through a wire
-
e
+
H ions move between electrodes
-
ELECTROLYTE through the electrolyte e

-
e

+ – -
CATHODE (+ve) O2 + 4H + 4e ⟶ 2H2O e

H2O OUT
O2 IN

 The hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell can be run in alkaline or acidic conditions, but the overall equation and the overall emf is
the same.

hydrogen fuel cell (alkaline) hydrogen fuel cell (acidic)

– – + –
Negative electrode H2 + 2OH ⟶ 2H2O + 2e E° = –0.83 V H2 ⟶ 2H + 2e E° = +0.00 V
(anode)
– – + –
Positive electrode O2 + 2H2O + 4e ⟶ 4OH E° = +0.40 V O2 + 4H + 4e ⟶ 2H2O E° = +1.23 V
(cathode)

Overall equation 2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O 2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O

Cell emf +1.23 V +1.23 V

 Fuel cells are very efficient and only give off water as a waste product.

some vehicles are powered by hydrogen fuel cells

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4) Benefits and risks of using cells

Benefits Risks

Using cells  portable source of electrical energy  waste issues

Using non-rechargeable cells  cheap  waste issues

 less waste  some waste issues (at end of useful life)

Using re-chargeable cells  cheaper in the long run
 lower environmental impact

 only waste product is water  need constant supply of fuels

 do not need re-charging  hydrogen is flammable & explosive
Using hydrogen fuel cells
 very efficient  hydrogen usually made using fossil fuels
 high cost of fuel cells

TASK 10 – Commercial cells

1) Some non-rechargeable cells are zinc/silver oxide cells.

+ –
Ag2O(s) + 2H (aq) + 2e ⇌ 2Ag(s) + H2O(l) E° = +0.34 V
2+ –
Zn (aq) + 2e ⇌ Zn(s) E° = -0.76 V

a) Calculate the overall emf for this cell.

b) Write an equation for the reaction taking place when the cell is being used.
c) Write the conventional representation of this cell.
d) Why would the cell emf of this cell fall over time and eventually reach zero?

2) The nickel-metal hydride cell is a rechargeable cell. The half equations are shown below where M represents a
metal. The actual electrode potential of the negative electrode and the overall emf varies depending on the metal.
– –
negative electrode M + H2O + e ⇌ MH + OH
– –
positive electrode NiO(OH) + H2O + e ⇌ Ni(OH)2 + OH

a) Write an equation for the reaction taking place when the cell is being used.
b) Write an equation for the reaction taking place when the cell is recharged.
c) What is the main advantage of a rechargeable cell over a non-rechargeable cell.

3) Methanol fuel cells are an alternative to hydrogen fuel cells.

+ – + –
O2 + 4H + 4e ⇌ 2H2O E° = +1.23 V CO2 + 6H + 6e ⇌ CH3OH + H2O E° = +0.02V

a) Write an equation for the reaction taking place when the cell is being used.
b) Calculate the overall emf of the cell.
c) What is the main advantage of a fuel cell over rechargeable and non-rechargeable cells.

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