Problem #14.11 (sixth edition)

[gabbym]

Write the half-reactions and the balanced equation for
the cell reaction for each of the following galvanic cells:
(a) Ni(s) / Ni2+(aq) // Ag+(aq) / Ag(s)

In problems where you are given a cell diagram and asked to find the two half reactions and the balanced equation for the overall reaction, such as #14.11, how do you know which half reaction needs to be reversed? It seems as though they are always reversing the anode, it this always the case? Or is it just depend on whichever E will prevent the total E potential from being a negative voltage?

[Iris Bai 2K]

The anode is on the right and the cathode is on the left. So in this case, you would right it so that the Ni losing electrons and the Ag is gaining electrons.