14.1.4 - Cells e.m.f and the electrochemical series

Question 1

What are 2 ways we can use standard electrode potentials?

Answer 1

To calculate the e.m.f of a cell
To predict the direction of redox reactions

Question 2

What is the strongest reducing agent?
What does this tell us about its E cell value?

Answer 2

Lithium

Negative E cell value

Question 3

When calculating the e.m.f of a cell, what should you do to the half equations?

Answer 3

Put the one with the more positive E cell value on the bottom.

Question 4

How do we know if a reaction is thermodynamically feasible using E cell values?

Answer 4

positive E cell value for a cell = feasible

Question 5

What happens to equilibrium in a half cell when the E cell value is negative?

Answer 5

Equilibrium shifts to the left.

Question 6

Why may some reactions not take place even if they’re thermodynamically feasible?

Answer 6

Very high activation energy for reaction.
The reaction may not be taking place under standard conditions.