Instructions Observations

Galvanic Cells; the Nernst Equation, Part A: Reduction

Potentials of Several Redox Coup
Step #1: Collect the Electrodes, Solutions, and Equipment
Obtain four large glass test tubes and fill them three-
fourths full of the 0.1 M solutions. Polish strips of copper,
zinc, magnesium, and iron metal, and rinse with deionized
water. Obtain a multimeter, one red wire with an alligator
clip, and one black wire with an alligator clip.
Step #2: Set Up the Copper/Zinc Cell
Attach one alligator clip to the copper electrode and the
other alligator clip to the zinc electrode. Saturate a strip of
filter paper in KNO3 solution. Using two glass stir-rods,
place one end of the wet filter paper in the copper
solution and the other end in the zinc solution (this is the
salt bridge). Make sure that the filter paper adheres to
the sides of the test tubes. Set the multimeter to the “2V”
setting.
Step #3: Determine the Copper/Zinc Cell Potential
Simultaneously, dip the zinc electrode into the zinc
solution and the copper electrode into the copper
solution. A reading should register on the multimeter. If
the value is negative, reverse the connections. Record
the first stable reading on the multimeter (stable means
it should remain on that number for at least three
seconds). From the positive reading of the multimeter,
you will calculate what species is being oxidized and what
species is being reduced. The electrode attached to the
positive (+) terminal (cathode) of the multimeter is where
reduction occurs and that half reaction has the more
positive reduction potential. Record which metal is being
reduced and which one is being oxidized in your lab
notebook.
Step #4: Repeat for the Remaining Cells
Determine the cell potentials for the Cu-Mg, Cu-Fe, Zn-
Mg, Fe-Mg, Zn-Fe cells. Follow the same procedure that
was done above for the copper/zinc cell. Use a new salt
bridge for each cell and polish and rinse the electrodes for
every trial.
Step #5: Determine the Relative Reduction Potentials
Assuming the reduction potential of the Zn(2+) (0.1 M)/Zn
redox couple is –0.79 V, calculate the reduction potentials
of all other redox couples.
Galvanic Cells; the Nernst Equation, Part B: Effect of
Concentration Changes on Cell Potential
Step #1: Effect of Different Molar Concentrations
Obtain two new test tubes, one with 1M CuSO4 and one
with 0.001M CuSO4. Set up a galvanic cell as in Part A
under the canopy hood, but use the new set of test tubes.
You will need a new salt bridge. Measure the positive
potential of the cell and determine the species being
oxidized and reduced as in Part A.
Step #2: Effect of Complex Formation
Use a 50 mL beaker to obtain about 10 mL of ammonia,
then add it to the CuSO4 in the test tube with a transfer
pipette. Do not take the potential reading until after
adding the ammonia and ensuring homogeneity. Observe
and record any changes in the half-cell and the cell
potential
Step #3: Effect of Precipitate Formation
Use a 50 mL beaker to obtain about 10 mL of Na2S, then
add it to the CuSO4 in the test tube with a transfer pipette.
Do not take the potential reading until after adding the
sodium sulfide and ensuring homogeneity. Observe and
record any changes in the half-cell and the cell potential
Electrolytic Cells, Part A: Electrolysis of Aqueous Salt
Solutions
Step #1: Set up the electrolysis apparatus
We will be doing trials with Solutions #1, #2, and #3: 2 g
NaCl/100 mL, 2 g NaBr/100 mL, and 2 g KI/100 mL.
Solution #5, 0.1 M CuSO4, will be performed as described
below. Prepared solutions will be provided. Obtain a glass
U-tube, two carbon (graphite) electrodes and a battery.
Clamp the U-tube under the canopy hood. Place a piece
of white paper underneath the U-tube to better see any
colors formed. Connect two wire leads (different colors)
attached to alligator clips to a direct current (dc) power
supply. Connect the alligator clips to the corresponding
Electrodes.
Fill the U-tube three-fourths full with Solution 1: 2g
NaCl/100 mL.1. Insert the corresponding electrodes into
the solution and electrolyze for 5 minutes. During the
electrolysis, watch for any evidence of a reaction in the
anode and cathode chambers.
• Does the pH of the solution change at each electrode?
Test each chamber with litmus or pH paper. Compare the
color with a pH test on the original solution.
• Is a gas evolved at either or both electrodes? Look
closely.
• Look closely at each electrode. Is a metal depositing on
the electrode or is the metal electrode slowly
disappearing?
 Repeat for the rest of the solutions.
For Solution #5, you will use 0.1 M Zn(NO3)2 solution in
the U-tube. For this trial only, you will be using a piece of
copper wire (cathode) and a carbon electrode (anode).
Attach the wires to the battery and insert the electrodes
into the zinc solution. Record any observations.
Step #3: Account for your observations
Make sure that you correctly record the pH readings and
which electrode is which. Write the equations for the
reactions occurring at the anode and cathode and for the
cell reaction

Galvanic Cells, the Nernst Equation

A. Reduction Potentials of Several Redox Couples

 Galvanic Ecell Anode Equation for Anode Cathode Equation for Cathode
Cell Measured Half-Reaction Half-Reaction

1. Write balanced equations for the six cell reactions.

2. What is the oxidizing agent in the Zn–Mg cell?

3. Compare the sum of the Cu–Zn and Zn–Mg cell potentials with the Cu–Mg cell potential. Explain.

4. Compare the sum of the Zn–Fe and Zn–Mg cell potentials with the Fe–Mg cell potential. Explain.

5.
 Galvanic Ecell For the Redox Reduction Potential Reduction Potential %
Cell Measured Couple (experimental) (theorical) Error

B. Effect of Concentration Changes on Cell Potential

1. Cell potential of concentration cell:

Anode half-reaction:

Cathode half-reaction:

Explain why a potential is recorded.

2. Cell potential from complex formation:

Observation of solution in half-cell.

Explain why the potential changes as it does with the addition of NH3(aq).

3. Cell potential from precipitate formation:

Observation of solution in half-cell.

Explain why the potential changes as it does with the addition of Na2S.

Electrolytic Cells, Avogadro’s Number

A. Electrolysis of Aqueous Salt Solutions

Solution Electr- Litmus Test: Gas Balanced Equations for Reactions

odes Evolved?
Initial pH:
Anode:
Cathode
NaCl C(gr) Cathode:
final pH:
Cell:
Anode
final pH:

Initial pH:
Anode:
Cathode
NaBr C(gr) Cathode:
final pH:
Cell:
Anode
final pH:

Initial pH:
Anode:
Cathode
KI C(gr) Cathode:
final pH:
Cell:
Anode
final pH:

Initial pH: Anode:

Zn(NO3) Cu(s) Cathode Cathode:

2 final pH:
Cell:
Anode
final pH: