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Cell Diagram

  • The cell diagram aka, standard cell notation is as follows:

| Anode | Ions from anode || Ions to cathode | Cathode |\text{| Anode | Ions from anode || Ions to cathode | Cathode |}


If we wanted to write this notation for the galvanic cell we just drew...

  • These were the 2 half reactions that were involved:

Zn(s) → Zn2+ (aq) + 2e– Eoox = +0.76

Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s) Eored = +0.34


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


  • It can also be called standard cell notation because it is describing SATP: ________ C,________ atm, [________ M]
  • Note that if a half cell does not contain a solid species then an inert electrode must be used. eg. Pt(s)

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Write the cell notation for the voltaic (or galvanic) cell that incorporates the following redox reaction:


Al(s)+Cr(aq)3+→Al(aq)3++Cr(s)Al_{(s)}+Cr^{3+}_{(aq)} \to Al^{3+}_{(aq)}+Cr_{(s)}

Al3+ +3e -> Al(s) Eored=-1.66V

Cr3+ + 3e- -> Cr(s) Eored=-0.73V

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Which of the following is the correct cell notation for the half reactions below:


Pb(s) --> Pb2+(aq) + 2e-

Fe3+(aq) + e- --> Fe2+(aq)

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In a zinc-lead cell the reaction is:


Pb2+(aq)+Zn(s)→Pb(s)+Zn2+(aq)       E°=0.637VPb^{2+}\left(aq\right)+Zn\left(s\right)\to Pb\left(s\right)+Zn^{2+}\left(aq\right)\ \ \ \ \ \ \ E\degree=0.637V


Which of the following statements about this cell is FALSE?

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Extra Practice