A concentration cell is constructed at 298 K using two identical platinum electrodes
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
Problem
A concentration cell is constructed at 298 K using two identical platinum electrodes, each in contact with H₂(g, 1.00 atm) and an aqueous H⁺ solution. The right-hand half-cell contains [H⁺] = 0.0100 M, while the left-hand half-cell contains an unknown [H⁺]. The measured cell potential is 0.118 V, with the left electrode behaving as the anode.
Assume ideal behavior for all species.
(a) Write the balanced overall reaction that occurs spontaneously in the cell.
(b) Calculate the molar concentration of H⁺ in the left-hand half-cell.
(c) Indicate the direction of electron flow through the external wire and explain how the calculated concentrations support your answer.