The following sketch is of a voltaic cell consisting of two standard electrodes for two metals, M

Question:

The following sketch is of a voltaic cell consisting of two standard electrodes for two metals, M and N:

M+ (aq) + ze N+ (aq) + ze M(s) N(s) EM+/M EN=+/N

Use the standard reduction potentials of these half reactions to answer the questions that follow:

Ag+ (aq) + e 2+ Zn+ (aq) + 2 e Ag(s) Zn(s)

Cu+ (aq) + 2 e Al+ (aq) + 3 e Cu(s) Al(s)

(a) Determine which pair of these half-cell reactions leads to a cell reaction with the largest positive cell potential, and calculate its value. Which couple is at the anode and which at the cathode?

(b) Determine which pair of these half-cell reactions leads to the cell with the smallest positive cell potential, and calculate its value. Which couple is at the anode and which is at the cathode?

M M+ (1 M) Anode (oxid.) ? V N N+ (1 M) Cathode (red.)