Question

The standard electrode potentials of $A{g}^{+}/Ag$ is $+0.80V$ and $C{u}^{+}/Cu$ is $+0.34V$. If these electrodes are connected through a salt bridge, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Silver electrode acts as anode and $E^{\circ }$ cell is $-0.34V$
• B. Copper electrode acts as anode and $E^{\circ }$ cell is + $0.46V$
• C. Silver electrode acts as a cathode and $E^{\circ }$ cell is $-0.34V$
• D. Copper electrode acts as cathode and $E^{\circ }cell$ is $+0.46V$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Electrode having higher reduction potential has to be cathode.
Hence, silver electrode act as a cathode. Because reduction potential of silver electrode $\left(E^{\circ }\right)$ is $+80V$. Which is more than given reduction potential of $Cu(+34V)$
Hence, $E_{\text{cell }}{}^{\circ }$ will determine as:
$E_{\text{cell }}{}^{\circ }=E_{\text{( Reduction) cathode }}{}^{\circ }-E_{\text{( Reduction) anode }}{}^{\circ }$ $=+80-(+0.34)=+0.46V$