## 14.55

$E_{cell} = E_{cell}^{\circ}-\frac{RT}{nF}\ln Q$

John_Richey_4A
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:27 am

### 14.55

How are we supposed to know for this question that the half reactions of NiSO4 are Ni----> Ni2+ and the one involving water? Why isn't the other half reaction involving the sulfate?

aisteles1G
Posts: 117
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

### Re: 14.55

I have the 7th ed book so im not sure if this problem was asking about electrolysis, but if it is asking about products of electrolysis then for the reduction half reaction you have to look at your given compound's cation (Ni2+) reduction potential and that of waters and whichever one has the greater reduction potential that will be the half reaction for reduction at the cathode. At the anode you have to look at your anion's (SO42-) and waters reduction potential and whichever one has the lower reduction potential will be the one getting oxidized at the anode so it must be water if that is the oxidation half reaction. Hope this helps!

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