Test 2

[Johnathan Smith 1D]

On test two we were given two half reactions and their potentials. How do we know which one is the redox half reaction and which one is the oxidation half reaction?

[san_2F]

The one with the lower cell potential represents the oxidation half reaction and the one with the higher cell potential represents the reduction half reaction.

[KarineKim2L]

The one with the more positive or higher potential will be reduced, and the one with the more negative/smaller potential will be oxidized.

[Simon Ketema_1F]

The more positive half reaction gets reduced, while the more negative half reaction is oxidized. The way I remember it is that the number represents how much a reaction is inclined to be reduced, and the one with the larger value ends up getting reduced.

[Ariel Fern 2B]

Since it is a Galvanic cell, the E°Cell had to be positive; thus, based on the equation E°Cell = E°Cathode (Reduction) - E°Anode (Oxidation), the Reduction Half Rxn. was the half Rxn. with the more positive E°, and the Oxidation Half Rxn. was the one with the least (most negative) E°. Hope this helps!

[Althea Zhao 1B]

Since E(cell) is equal to E(red)-E(ox) and must be positive for a spontaneous reaction, E(red) should be greater than E(ox). So, the half reaction with the greater reduction potential is reduced.

[Eugene Chung 3F]

We know that lower electronegativity and more negative E value means stronger reducing agent. Anode is oxidized and is the reducing agent. So, the one with more negative E value is conventionally the anode.

[Adriana_4F]

Since Fe had the lower cell potential it was being oxidized and Ag was being reduced.