Which of the following statements is true concerning the electrochemical cell depicted below?
Zn | Zn²⁺(aq) || Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu
Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e− Zn(s) ; E° = -2.87 V
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e− Cu(s) ; E° = -2.38 V

Question

Which of the following statements is true concerning the electrochemical cell depicted below?
Zn | Zn²⁺(aq) || Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu
Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e−

Which of the following statements is true concerning the electrochemical cell depicted below? Zn | Zn<sup>2+</sup>(aq) || Cu<sup>2+</sup>(aq) | Cu Zn<sup>2+</sup>(aq) + 2e− Zn(s) ; E° = -2.87 V Cu<sup>2+</sup>(aq) + 2e− Cu(s) ; E° = -2.38 V A) The cell is at equilibrium. B) The cell reaction is spontaneous with a standard cell potential of 0.49 V. C) The cell reaction is spontaneous with a standard cell potential of 5.25 V. D) The cell reaction is nonspontaneous with a standard cell potential of -5.25 V. E) The cell reaction is nonspontaneous with a standard cell potential of -0.49 V.

Zn(s) ; E° = -2.87 V
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e−

Cu(s) ; E° = -2.38 V

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine if a cell reaction is spontaneous, we need to calculate the standard cell potential (E°) and compare it to zero. 
E° = E°(reduced species at cathode) - E°(oxidized species at anode) 
E° = (-0.34 V) - (-0.76 V) 
E° = 0.42 V 
Since the standard cell potential is positive, the reaction is spontaneous. The correct answer is therefore B.

Which of the Following Statements Is True Concerning the Electrochemical