JURONG PIONEER JUNIOR COLLEGE

2022 JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729)

Tutorial 9: Galvanic Cells
(Suggested Answers)

Level 1 – Self–Check Questions

*1 (a) Define the terms standard electrode potential and standard cell potential.
Standard electrode potential, E, of a half–cell is the relative potential of
this half–cell under standard conditions as compared with the
standard hydrogen electrode whose electrode potential is assigned as
zero.
The standard hydrogen electrode consists of H2(g) at 1 bar bubbling over Pt
electrode coated with finely divided Pt which is dipped into 1 mol dm–3
H+(aq) at 298 K.

Standard cell potential, Ecell, is the electromotive force of a galvanic cell

which consists of two half–cells connected under standard conditions.
The value of Ecell is the difference between the two standard electrode
potentials.

(b) Draw a fully labelled diagram to show how the standard electrode potential
of each of the following electrode systems can be measured using the
standard hydrogen reference electrode.
In each of the cell diagrams drawn, indicate
 which electrode is anode/cathode,
 which electrode is positive/negative,
 the direction of electron flow in the external circuit.
Recall: each half-cell describes one half-equation
Check that:
 all aqueous reactants clearly labelled with conc of 1 mol dm‒3, 298 K
 all gaseous reactants clearly labelled with 1 bar, 298 K
 all electrodes clearly labelled (+ e flow if req by Qn)
(i) Ni2+(aq)/Ni(s)
Ni2+ + 2e  Ni 0.25 V (more –ve  [O])
2H+ + 2e  H2 0.00 V (more +ve  [R])

anode e e cathode
V
(negative) (positive)

H2(g), 1 bar,
salt bridge 298 K

1 mol dm3 1 mol dm3 H+(aq),

2+
Ni (aq), 298 K 298 K
Ni(s) platinised Pt(s)

Note the E value on the voltmeter at first instance of cell being

connected.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 1 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (ii) Sn4+(aq)/Sn2+(aq)
Sn4+ + 2e  Sn2+ +0.15 V (more +ve  [R])
2H+ + 2e  H2 0.00 V (more –ve  [O])

cathode e e anode
V
(positive) (negative)

1 mol dm3 H2(g), 1 bar,

salt bridge 298 K
Sn4+(aq),
1 mol dm3
Sn2+(aq), 1 mol dm3 H+(aq),
298 K 298 K
Pt(s) platinised Pt(s)
Note the E value on the voltmeter at first instance of cell being
connected.

(iii) O2(g)/H2O2(aq) (in acid medium)

O2 + 2H+ + 2e  H2O2 +0.68 V (more +ve  [R])
2H+ + 2e  H2 0.00 V (more –ve  [O])

cathode e e anode
V
(positive) (negative)
O2(g), 1 bar, 298 K H2(g), 1 bar,
salt bridge 298 K
1 mol dm3
H2O2(aq),
1 mol dm3 H+(aq), 1 mol dm3
298 K H+(aq), 298 K
platinised
platinised Pt(s)
Pt(s)
Note the E value on the voltmeter at first instance of cell being
connected.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 2 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

2 Some standard reduction potentials, E, are shown below:
Cr2+ + 2e  Cr 0.91 V
Zn2+ + 2e  Zn 0.76 V
SO42 + 4H+ + 2e  H2SO3 + H2O +0.17 V
I2 + 2e  2I +0.54 V
Br2 + 2e  2Br +1.07 V
Cr2O7 + 14H+ + 6e
2
 2Cr3+ + 7H2O +1.33 V
MnO4 + 8H+ + 5e  Mn2+ + 4H2O +1.52 V
(a) From the above list, state the strongest reducing agent and the strongest
oxidising agent.
Recall:
RA undergo oxidation (found on RHS), OA undergo reduction (found on LHS)
Reduction potential measures the tendency for the OA to undergo reduction
(higher tendency for reduction = POE favour RHS = more positive E)

Strongest reducing agent (i.e. itself oxidised  RHS and most ve E)
The strongest reducing agent is Cr.
Strongest oxidising agent (i.e. itself reduced  LHS and most +ve E)
The strongest oxidising agent is MnO4.

(b) From the above list,

(i) which combination of standard electrodes will give the largest overall
cell potential? Hence, calculate the overall cell potential.
Note: The strongest OA and RA will always give the largest Ecell

For Ecell to be the largest, Ered must be most positive and Eox must
be most negative since Ecell = Ered  Eox.

Cr2+/Cr and MnO4/Mn2+ electrodes would give the largest Ecell.

Ecell = (+1.52)  (0.91) = +2.43 V > 0 energetically feasible

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 3 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (ii) draw the fully labelled cell setup in (b)(i) and state the direction of
movement of electrons in the external circuit when the cell is
operating.
Recall: each half-cell describes one half-equation
Check that:
 all aqueous reactants clearly labelled with conc of 1 mol dm‒3, 298 K
 all gaseous reactants clearly labelled with 1 bar, 298 K
 all electrodes clearly labelled (+ e flow if req by Qn)

Cr2+ + 2e  Cr E = 0.91 V

MnO4 + 8H+ + 5e  Mn2+ + 4H2O E = +1.52 V
e e
V
anode cathode
(negative) (positive)
salt bridge 1 mol dm3
1 mol dm3 MnO4(aq),
Cr2+(aq), 1 mol dm3 Mn2+(aq),
298 K 1 mol dm3 H+(aq),
298 K
Cr(s) Pt(s)

Electrons flow from Cr(s) electrode of Cr2+/Cr half–cell to Pt electrode

of MnO4–/Mn2+ half–cell (or indicate electron flow in the above
diagram).

Reject “1 mol dm3 H2O(l)” as water is in excess and [H2O] remains

relatively constant at 55 mol dm3 as the cell discharges.

(iii) Write an equation for the overall reaction in the cell.

2MnO4– + 16H+ + 5Cr  2Mn2+ + 5Cr2+ + 8H2O

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 4 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

3 [N2016/P3/Q4(d)]
The first chemical source of current electricity was the voltaic pile, invented by
Alessandro Volta in 1800. It consists of a stack of alternating copper and zinc
discs, with a felt space soaked in an aqueous electrolyte placed on top of each
copper disc.
(a) The pile consists of five pairs of copper and zinc discs, and the electrolyte is
a solution containing 1.0 mol dm3 Cu2+(aq) and 1.0 mol dm3 Zn2+(aq).
Explain why the reading on the voltmeter is 5.50 V when the switch is
closed.
Note: Question already given the description of the two half-cells (Qn type 1)
Recall: How to solve Qn type 1
 half-cell with the more positive E is assigned as reduction half-cell

Species present: Cu, Cu2+, Zn, Zn2+

Cu2+ + 2e  Cu E = +0.34 V ---[R] more +ve
Zn2+ + 2e  Zn E = 0.76 V ---[O] more –ve
Ecell of each pair = (+0.34) – (0.76) = +1.10 V

Since the setup is made up of 5 pairs of Cu and Zn discs, the reading on

the voltmeter would be 5  1.10 V = 5.50 V.

(b) When a current is drawn for some time, the voltmeter reading decreases.
 Describe how the masses of the copper and zinc discs will have changed.
 Suggest why the voltage decreases.
Recall:
Any change that affects the POE of the two half equations will cause E to
change and thus cause Ecell to change.
Factors affecting POE: nature of metal, concentration, temperature, pressure

Discharge: Cu2+ + Zn  Cu + Zn2+

During discharge, Cu2+ will be reduced to Cu and Zn will be oxidised to Zn2+.
The mass of Cu discs increase and mass of Zn discs decrease.

As the reaction proceeds, [Cu2+] decreases and this causes the position of
equilibrium of Cu2+ + 2e  Cu to shift left, making E(Cu2+/Cu) to be
less positive (or more negative) than +0.34 V.

Also, the [Zn2+] increases and this causes the position of equilibrium of
Zn2+ + 2e  Zn to shift right, making E(Zn2+/Zn) to be less negative (or
more positive) than 0.76 V.
 
  



Ecell  E Cu2+ /Cu  E Zn2+ /Zn


 The voltage decreases. less positive more positive

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 5 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

4 [N2010/P1/Q11]
Two electrode potentials are given.
Fe3+ + e  Fe2+ E = +0.77 V
Br2 + 2e  2Br E = +1.07 V
Which species is the strongest reducing agent?

A Fe3+ B Fe2+ C Br2 D Br

Answer: B
Reducing agent reduces other species while itself is oxidised (i.e. species on
RHS of electrode potential equation  consider Br and Fe2+)
Reject Options A and C.
The stronger reducing agent will be the one with more negative (or less
positive) E.

5 [N2011/P1/Q10]
The diagram shows the apparatus needed to measure E for the reaction below.
Fe3+(aq) + e  Fe2+(aq)

S.H.E

What are the identities of X and Y?

X Y
3+
A Fe Fe (aq)
B Fe Fe (aq) + Fe3+(aq)
2+

C Pt Fe3+(aq)
D Pt Fe2+(aq) + Fe3+(aq)

Answer: D
Since there is no metal in the equation given, use Pt as electrode.
(reject A and B)
Since the equation involves Fe and Fe , Y must have Fe and Fe3+.
2+ 3+ 2+

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 6 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

6 [N2007/P1/Q10]
Some relevant redox halfequations are given in the table.

half–equation E / V
I2(aq) + 2e  2I(aq) +0.54
2H+(aq) + O2(g) + 2e  H2O2(aq) +0.68
H2O2(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e  2H2O(l) +1.77

What will be observed when a few drops of acidified aqueous hydrogen peroxide
are added to an excess of aqueous potassium iodide?

A The solution turns brown and effervescence occurs.

B The solution turns brown without effervescence.
C The solution turns purple and effervescence occurs.
D The solution turns purple without effervescence.

Answer: B
Species present: I and H2O2
I2(aq) + 2e  2I(aq) +0.54 --[O] more –ve than +0.68 V
2H (aq) + O2(g) + 2e  H2O2(aq)
+  +0.68
H2O2(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e  2H2O(l) +1.77 --[R]

Ecell = (+1.77) – (+0.54) = +1.23 V > 0 (energetically feasible)

Equation: 2I + H2O2 + 2H+  I2(aq) + 2H2O (aqueous I2 is brown)

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 7 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

7 [N2005/P1/Q8]
Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.

Qn has already described the

two half-cells and thus the two
half-equations to use

What is the standard cell potential, Ecell, and the direction of electron flow in the
connecting wire of this cell?

Ecell direction of flow

A 1.18 V Y to X
B +1.18 V X to Y
C +1.18 V Y to X
D +1.48 V X to Y
Answer: B
Species present: Sn2+, Sn4+, Cr2O72, Cr3+
E(Sn4+/Sn2+) = +0.15 V (more –ve  [O]  X is anode.
E(Cr2O72/Cr3+) = +1.33 V (more +ve  [R]  Y is cathode.
 Electrons flow from X to Y (reject A & C)

Ecell = Ered - Eox = (+1.33)  (0.15) = +1.18 V

8 [N2014/P1/Q9]
Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.
Pseudohalogens are compounds that are similar in some of their properties to
halogens. For example, thiocyanogen and the thiocyanate ion can be
interconverted by the following redox equilibrium.
(SCN)2(aq) + 2e  2SCN(aq) E = x V
Aqueous chlorine and aqueous bromine both oxidise the thiocyanate ion to
thiocyanogen, but aqueous iodine does not.
What could be the value of x?

A 1.27 B 0.77 C +0.77 D +1.27

Answer: C
From question, the reaction of SCN with Cl2 and with Br2 gives Ecell > 0 V
but with I2, Ecell < 0 V.
For Cl2 : Ecell = (+1.36) – x > 0  x < +1.36
For Br2 : Ecell = (+1.07) – x > 0  x < +1.07
For I2 : Ecell = (+0.54) – x < 0  x > +0.54
 +0.54 < x < +1.07

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 8 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

9 [N2007/P1/Q36]
Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.
Which of the following are chemically stable when left to stand in the atmosphere?

1 A solution of potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)  K3Fe(CN)6

2 A solution of chromium(II) chloride
3 A mixture of aqueous sodium hydroxide and iron(II) sulfate

A 1, 2 and 3 are correct. B Only 1 and 2 are correct.

C Only 2 and 3 are correct. D Only 1 is correct.

Answer: D
The question implies that there is no redox reaction (i.e. chemically stable)
with O2 in the air (i.e. left to stand in atmosphere).
 Either the reagent can only be reduced (i.e. also on LHS of equation) or
Ecell < 0.

O2 + 2H2O + 4e  4OH E = +0.40 V

Fe(CN)6]3 + e  [Fe(CN)6]4 E = +0.36 V
Cr3+ + e  Cr2+ E = 0.41 V
Fe(OH)3 + e  Fe(OH)2 E = 0.56 V

1 Both O2 and [Fe(CN)6]3 cannot be reduced in the absence of a reducing

agent. Hence, [Fe(CN)6]3 is chemically stable when left to stand in the
atmosphere.
 Since (1) is correct, reject Option C.

2 Ecell = (+0.40) – (-0.41) = +0.81 V > 0 (energetically feasible)

Hence, Cr2+ can be oxidized by O2 and is not chemically stable when left
to stand in the atmosphere.
 Since (2) is incorrect, reject Option A, B and C (i.e. Answer is D).

3 In the presence of NaOH(aq), Fe(OH)2 precipitate is formed.

Ecell = (+0.40) – (-0.56) = +0.96 V > 0 (energetically feasible)
Hence, Fe(OH)2 can be oxidized by O2 and is not chemically stable when
left to stand in the atmosphere.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 9 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

10 [N2009/P1/Q33 modified]
In a fuel cell in which ethanol comes into contact with fresh air on the surface of a
catalyst, the reactions taking place at the two electrodes are as follows.

electrode 1 CH3CH2OH(l) + H2O(l)  CH3CO2H(l) + 4H+(aq) + 4e–

electrode 2 O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e–  2H2O(l)

Which statements are correct?

1 The electrode potential of electrode 1 becomes more negative as the

concentration of ethanol increases.
2 Hydrogen is reduced at electrode 2.
3 Oxygen is reduced at both electrodes.

A Only 1 is correct. B Only 2 is correct.

C Only 1 and 2 are correct. D 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

Answer: A
1 Note: The equation for electrode 1 is written as an oxidation equation
Rewrite equation with forward as [R] reaction:
CH3CO2H + 4H+ + 4e  CH3CH2OH + H2O –-(1)
When [CH3CH2OH] , the position of equilibrium (1) shifts left, making
E(CH3CO2H/CH3CH2OH) becomes more negative.
 Since (1) is correct, reject Option B.
2 The oxidation state of H remains as +1 in both H+ and H2O. Hence,
hydrogen is not reduced at electrode 2.
 Since (2) is incorrect, reject Options B, C and D (i.e. Answer is A).
3 Oxygen is reduced at electrode 2 only. At electrode 1, it is the carbon
atom that was oxidised.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 10 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

11 [N2009/P1/Q11]
Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.
The diagram represents an experiment to confirm the value of E(Zn2+(aq)/Zn(s)),
the standard electrode potential of zinc.

The e.m.f. of the cell was found to be 0.78 V rather than the expected 0.76 V.
Two students, X and Y, suggested possible explanations.

X: [Zn2+(aq)] was greater than 1.00 mol dm–3

Y: [H+(aq)] was greater than 1.00 mol dm–3

Which of their suggestions could be correct?

A both X and Y B X only

C Y only D neither X nor Y

Answer: C
Zn2+ + 2e  Zn E = -0.76 V ---[O] more -ve
2H+ + 2e  H2 E = 0.00 V ---[R] more +ve
E cell = (0.00) – (-0.76) = +0.76 V


X: If [Zn2+] > 1.00 mol dm3, the position of equilibrium of [O] will shift
right, making E(Zn2+/Zn) less negative (or more positive) than -0.76 V.
Hence, Ecell will decrease (or becomes less positive).

Y: If [H+] > 1.00 mol dm3, the position of equilibrium of [R] will shift right,
making E(H+/H2) more positive than 0.00 V. Hence, Ecell will increase (or
becomes more positive).

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 11 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells