\(Pt(s) ∣ H2(g)(1atm) ∣ H+(aq, [H+]=1)\, ∥\, Fe3+(aq), Fe2+(aq) ∣ Pt(s)\)
Given\( E^∘_{Fe^{3+}Fe^{2+}}\)\(=0.771V\) and \(E^∘_{H^{+1/2}H_2}=0\,V,T=298K\)
If the potential of the cell is 0.712V, the ratio of concentration of \(Fe2+\) to \(Fe3+\) is
1. Write the Nernst equation for the cell: \[ E_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{cell}} - \frac{0.0591}{n} \log Q, \] where \(Q = \frac{[\text{Fe}^{3+}]}{[\text{Fe}^{2+}]}\).
2. Determine \(E^\circ_{\text{cell}}\): \[ E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{Fe}^{3+}/\text{Fe}^{2+}} - E^\circ_{\text{H}^+/\text{H}_2} = 0.771 - 0 = 0.771 \, \text{V}. \]
3. Rearrange the Nernst equation to find \(\log Q\): \[ 0.712 = 0.771 - \frac{0.0591}{1} \log Q. \]
\[ \log Q = \frac{0.771 - 0.712}{0.0591} = \frac{0.059}{0.0591} \approx 1. \]
4. Calculate \(Q\): \[ Q = 10^{\log Q} = 10^1 = 10. \]
5. Determine the ratio of concentrations: \[ Q = \frac{[\text{Fe}^{3+}]}{[\text{Fe}^{2+}]} \implies \frac{[\text{Fe}^{2+}]}{[\text{Fe}^{3+}]} = \frac{1}{Q} = \frac{1}{10}. \]
Thus, the ratio is 10.
The Nernst equation relates the cell potential to the ratio of reactant and product concentrations. Here, \([\text{Fe}^{2+}]/[\text{Fe}^{3+}]\) is calculated from the measured cell potential.
An electrochemical cell is a device that is used to create electrical energy through the chemical reactions which are involved in it. The electrical energy supplied to electrochemical cells is used to smooth the chemical reactions. In the electrochemical cell, the involved devices have the ability to convert the chemical energy to electrical energy or vice-versa.