Question

Using the following standard reduction potentials, Fe3+(aq) + e- → Fe2+(aq) E° = +0.77 V Ni2+(aq) + 2 e- → Ni(s) E° = -0.23 V calculate the standard cell potential for the galvanic cell reaction given below, and determine whether or not this reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions. Ni2+(aq) + 2 Fe2+(aq) → 2 Fe3+(aq) + Ni(s)

Answer 1

Answer: The above reaction is non-spontaneous.

Explanation:

For the given chemical reaction:

$Ni^{2+}(aq.)+2Fe^{2+}(aq.)\rightarrow 2Fe^{3+}(aq.)+Ni(s)$

Here, nickel is getting reduced because it is gaining electrons and iron is getting oxidized because it is loosing electrons.

We know that:

$E^o_{(Fe^{3+}/Fe^{2+})}=0.77V\\E^o_{(Ni^{2+}/Ni)}=-0.23V$

Substance getting oxidized always act as anode and the one getting reduced always act as cathode.

To calculate the $E^o_{cell}$ of the reaction, we use the equation:

$E^o_{cell}=E^o_{cathode}-E^o_{anode}$

$E^o_{cell}=-0.23-0.77=-1.0V$

Relationship between standard Gibbs free energy and standard electrode potential follows:

$\Delta G^o=-nFE^o_{cell}$

As, the standard electrode potential of the cell is coming out to be negative for the above cell. Thus, the standard Gibbs free energy change of the reaction will become positive making the reaction non-spontaneous.

Hence, the above reaction is non-spontaneous.