Cu(s) + 2Ag+ -----> Cu+2 2Ag(s) equilibrium constant is 3.7 x 10^15?

Question

what are Eo and deltaGo? positive, zero, or negative for each?

thanks!

Answer 1

DeltaG is the free energy change in the reaction. E is the total cell potential of the entire redox reaction, which is obtained from the sum of the standard electrode potentials of the two half equations in the redox reaction. In Gibbs equation, it states that when DeltaG is negative, the reaction occurs spontaneously. In redox reaction, a special equation is also widely used:

DeltaG = -nFE.

Since n and F are all positive, thus, E, the total cell potential has absolute control of the spontaneity of the reaction. In this case, equilibrium constant is so large that indicates the reaction goes to almost completion. Thus, E is positive and DeltaG is negative.