Electrochemistry Tutorial: Galvanic Cells and the Nernst Equation >> Step 4: Practice with cells in non-standard conditions

Electrochemistry: Galvanic Cells and the Nernst Equation

Step 4: Practice with cells in non-standard conditions

Please use the feedback form to answer the following questions which will be turned in to your TA.

Activity: Determine the effects of changing half-cell concentration on cell potential.
Use the simulation below to explore the effects of changing half-cell concentrations and to answer the following questions.

2. Dilute the Sn²⁺ solution in the following two galvanic cells. What happens to the voltage in each? Explain your results.
1. Reaction 1:       Sn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) --> Sn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)
2. Reaction 2:       Zn(s) + Sn²⁺(aq) --> Zn²⁺(aq) + Sn(s)


3. Consider a cell: Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) --> Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s) in which the concentration of [Cu²⁺] and [Zn²⁺] are both 2M. [Note that the simulation does not provide solutions above 1M. Please make predictions about cells with 2M concentrations based upon experiments you perform with the concentrations provided.]
1. Will the cell potential be greater than, equal to or less than the standard cell potential?
2. Will the cell be able to run the stopwatch for a longer time, equal time, or shorter time than the standard cell?

This concludes the electrochemistry activity, please be sure to complete the activity form.