Question
Class 11ChemistryRedox Reactions

Two half cells are Al3+(aq)/Al and Mg2+(aq)/Mg

The reduction potentials of these half cells are:
Al3+/Al = −1.66 V
Mg2+/Mg = −1.36 V

Calculate the cell potential. Write the cell reactions also.

Verified Answer

Since, Mg2+(aq)/Mg electrode = −2.36 V is at a lower potential than Al3+(aq)/Al electrode = −1.66 V, therefore, Mg2+(aq)/Mg electrode acts as the anode and Al3+(aq)/Al acts as the cathode.
In other words, Mg loses electrons and Al3+ ion accepts electrons.

Cell reaction:
3Mg + 2Al3+ ⟶ 3Mg2+ + 2Al

Standard cell potential:
cell = E°(Al3+/Al) − E°(Mg2+/Mg)
= −1.66 − (−2.36)
= +0.70 V