Question

An unknown substance is oxidized using the reference reaction of hydrogen i hydrogen. The standard cell potential is measured to be 0.367 V. What is sing the reference reaction of hydrogen ion forming potential for the unknown substance? measured to be 0.367 V. What is the reduction cell +0.367 V -0.367 V +0.78 V -0.78 V

Answer 1

Hey there!

It is given in the question that hydrogen ion H+ forms hydrogen H2. Hence, hydrogen ion is reduced and hydrogen reference electrode is the cathode.

reduction potential of hydrogen is 0.000 V

Standard cell potential :

E°cell = E° reduction potential cathode - E°reduction potential anode

E°cell = E° reduction potential hydrogen - E° reduction potential unknown substance

0.367 V = 0.000 V - E° reduction potential unknown substance

E⁰ reduction potential unknown substance = 0.000 V - 0.367 V

E° reduction potential unknown substance = -0.367 V