An excess of finely divided iron is stirred up with a solution that contains Cu²⁺ ion, and the system is allowed to come to equilibrium. The solid materials are then filtered off, and electrodes of solid copper and solid iron are inserted into the remaining solution. What is the value of the ratio [Fe²⁺]/[Cu²⁺] at 25°C?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction between iron and copper(II) ions is a redox reaction where iron is oxidized to Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ is reduced to copper metal. At equilibrium, the Nernst equation can be used to find the ratio [Fe²⁺]/[Cu²⁺]. Given the standard reduction potentials, the equilibrium constant is very large, indicating that the reaction goes nearly to completion, resulting in a very high [Fe²⁺]/[Cu²⁺] ratio.

An Excess of Finely Divided Iron Is Stirred Up with a Solution