CHEM123: Experiment #11B

Electrochemistry: Galvanic Cells and the Nernst Equation

Kamil Krawczyk
50411107
A2335

Abstract:
The redox reactions of various metals, such as Cu, Mg, and Zn, were standardized versus a Sn reference.
The resulting electrochemical series table was then used to determine the voltage of a various cells, and a
calculated voltage was then compared to the experimental results. Finally, the voltages of a Cu/Zn cell with
varying Cu concentrations was determined, resulting in a plotted graph of Ecell versus log[Cu2+]. An unknown
concentration of Cu solution was then determined using the aforementioned graph, in conjunction with the
Nernst Equation; the concentration of the solution came to be around 0.180M.

Introduction:
Galvanic cells provide electrochemical energy as the result of a redox reaction between an anode and a
cathode in their respective solution. Various combinations of metal provide different cell potentials,
corresponding in a higher or lower voltage. The concentration of the solution also affects the resulting voltage of
the electrochemical cell.
In this experiment, a series of metals (Cu, Mg, and Zn) were plotted on an electrochemical series table
with Sn as a reference. After producing the table, Cu/Zn, Cu/Mg, and Mg/Zn galvanic cells were constructed and
the resulting voltages recorded. In the second half of the experiment, the electrochemical potentials for a Cu/Zn
galvanic cell were experimentally determined, plotted on a graph graph of Ecell versus log[Cu2+], and the
concentration of an unknown Cu solution was mathematically determined using the Nernst Equation.

Experimental Procedure:
Experimental procedures were followed out in accordance to the lab manual, pages 161 – 174.
Summarized points are provided here (some details left out for brevity, please refer to manual).
Part I:
– Carrou-Cell was cleaned out; the Sn was connected via the red wire, while the Cu, Zn, and Mg were
connected via black wire when tested. The corresponding solution was poured into the well prior to
placing the metal strips. All three metals were tested individually, with the Carrou-Cell being
dumped out between tests.
– Voltages were measured via MicroLab software. The resulting potentials were plotted on an
electrochemical series tables with Sn as the reference (rather than hydrogen, as on the standard
electrochemical series table).
– The three tested metals were then set up and tested for voltage readings separately; the cells
consisted of Cu/Zn, Cu/Mg, and Mg/Zn. The voltages were recorded.
Part II:
– The Carrou-Cell device was rinsed out and dried to prepare for the new metals being tested. The Zn
strip and solution was placed in the centre of the Cell; the various concentrations of Cu solution
were placed around the centre (with 1M facing north with concentrations decreasing clockwise).
– Voltages were measured on the MicroLab software, starting with the highest concentration and
ending with the lowest. A graph of graph of Ecell versus log[Cu2+] was plotted. The unknown sample's
voltage was determined, and the graph was used to quantify the concentration.
– The Carrou-Cell was cleaned, dried, and materials were cleaned up and placed back in storage bin.

Data & Results:

Part I:
Black Terminal e- direction Red Terminal Measured Ecell Calculated Ecell
(v) (v)
Anode Sn ---> Cathode Cu {0.552} -
Cathode Sn <--- Anode Zn {-0.533} -
Cathode Sn <--- Anode Mg {-1.080} -
Anode Zn ---> Cathode Cu {1.066} {1.085}
Anode Mg ---> Cathode Cu {1.621} {1.632}
Anode Mg ---> Cathode Zn {0.546} {0.547}
Part II:
Cell # [Cu2+] (M) [Zn2+] (M) Measured Ecell (v) Calculated Ecell (v)
1 [1.0] [1.0] {1.120} {1.100}
2 [0.1] [1.0] {1.060} {1.070}
3 [0.01] [1.0] {1.051} {1.041}
4 [0.001] [1.0] {1.041} {1.011}
5 [0.0001] [1.0] {1.025} {0.982}
Unknown Cu(II) sol'n Unknown [1.0] {1.078} -

The Electrochemical Series Table:

Sample Calculations:
Discussion:
Part I:
According to the electrochemical series table plotted above: since the tendency to gain electrons (be
reduced) increases as you go further up the table, the answer is copper, which is positioned highest on the table
and therefore has the greatest tendency towards reduction.

Using the same logic as above, magnesium has the greatest tendency to be oxidized (lose electrons).

Again, using the same logic presented above:

Mg < Zn < Sn < Cu

Part II:
Although the values are rather close, the calculated values decrease a greater value with decreasing
Cu2+ solution. The cause of this is probably the fact that the tested samples were automatically read and the
voltage value recorded within 5-10 seconds of the constructing of the circuit. Furthermore, the Carrou-Cell may
or may not have been rinsed properly, and previous residue from other chemicals may have influenced the
results. Lastly, the differing values may be caused by the dilution of the initial 1.0M Cu solution – they could
have been improperly and hastily completed, producing solutions that are not quite the necessary diluted values.

As visible from the graph above, the y-intercept is 1.101V, which is roughly equivalent to the Eocell of
1.10V. In this case, the y-intercept represents the Eocell value.