A VCE chemistry student sets up a galvanic cell using two standard half cells with half reactions - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 14 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 14
A VCE chemistry student sets up a galvanic cell using two standard half cells with half reactions.
half cell 1: Cr^{3+}(aq) + e^{-}
ightarrow Cr^{2+}(aq)
half ce... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A VCE chemistry student sets up a galvanic cell using two standard half cells with half reactions - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 14 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
Half cell 1: Suitable Electrode Material
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Answer
For half cell 1, we need an inert electrode that can facilitate the reduction of Cr^{3+} to Cr^{2+}. Platinum is often used as it is inert and does not participate in the reaction itself.
Step 2
Half cell 2: Suitable Electrode Material
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Answer
For half cell 2, the electrode must allow the oxidation of solid chromium to Cr^{3+}. Solid chromium can act itself as the electrode for this oxidation reaction, hence no additional inert material is necessary.
Step 3
Combining the Materials for the Galvanic Cell
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Answer
Thus, the suitable combination of electrode materials for both half cells is:
Half cell 1: Platinum
Half cell 2: Chromium
Step 4
Final Selection Based on Options
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Answer
Based on the given options, the correct answer is B: Platinum for half cell 1 and Chromium for half cell 2.
