Question
Class 11ChemistryRedox Reactions

Write the cell reaction and calculate the standard E° of the cell:

Zn | Zn2+ (1M) || Cd2+ (1M) | Cd

Given:
E°(Zn/Zn2+) = 0.763 V
E°(Cd/Cd2+) = 0.403 V

Verified Answer

Reverse the signs of oxidation potential to get the values of the reduction or electrode potentials.
E(Zn,Zn2+) = 0.763 V ∴ E°(Zn2+/Zn) = 0.763 V
E(Cd,Cd2+) = 0.403 V ∴ E°(Cd2+/Cd) = −0.403 V

Since Zn2+/Zn electrode is at lower potential, it acts as the anode, while Cd2+/Cd electrode with higher potential acts as the cathode.
Zn loses electrons and Cd2+ ions accept them.

Cell reaction:
Zn + Cd2+ ⟶ Zn2+ + Cd

Standard cell potential:
cell = E°(Cd) − E°(Zn2+/Zn)
= −0.403 − (−0.763)
= +0.360 V