OBJECTIVES

1. To experimentally determine the equilibrium constant of a redox

reaction.
2. To compare this experimental equilibrium constant with the theoretical
value obtained using Nernst equation
INTRODUCTION
The equilibrium constant of an electrochemical cells redox reaction
can be calculated using the Nernst equation and the relationship between
standard cell potential and free energy. When a reaction is at equilibrium,
the change in free energy is equal to zero and the driving force behind the
reaction decreases. The reaction progresses forward and backwards at the
same rate meaning there is no net electron flow. With no electron flow, there
is no current and the potential is equal to zero.
The change in free energy of an electrochemical cell is related to the cell
potential by the equation:
G = -nFEcell
where
G is the free energy of the reaction
n is the number of moles of electrons exchanged in the reaction
F is Faraday's constant (96484.56 C/mol)
E is the cell potential.
To find the equilibrium by use Nernst equation where is used to calculate the
cell potential of a non-standard cell:
Ecell = Ecell - (RT/nF) x log10Q

where
Ecell is the cell potential
Ecell refers to standard cell potential
R is the gas constant (8.3145 J/molK)
T is the absolute temperature
n is the number of moles of electrons transferred by the cell's reaction
F is Faraday's constant (96484.56 C/mol)
Q is the reaction quotient (reaction quotient, Q is equilibrium constant, K)

Chemicals: 1 M CuSO4, 1 M ZnSO4, 1 M KNO3

Apparatus: voltmeter, small beakers / U-tube, crocodile clips with wires,

filter paper, Cu strips,
Zn strip
PROCEDURE
In this experiment, a Zn-Cu cell was selected for study. Concentration of Zn
half-cell was maintained at 1.0 M and the Cu half-cell concentration was
varying, a series of emf readings was taken.
1. The metal strips was cleaned by rubbing with sandpaper, then was
rinsed in distilled water and dried them.
2. One beaker was filled with 1.0 M Zn 2+ solution until it covers the Zn
electrode.
3. Proper dilution was done for the second beaker to get the following
Cu2+ solutions: 0.00010 M, 0.0010 M, 0.010 M, 0.10 M.
4. 0.00010 M Cu2+ was placed into second beaker until it covers the Cu
electrode. The circuit was connected and the voltage was measured.
5. The Cu2+ solution was replaced with the next higher concentration
(0.0010 M) and the voltage was measured.
6. This process was continued until concentration of Cu 2+ was 1.0 M. the
table below was filled.

cell

Zinc halfcell (M)

1.0

Copper
half-cell
(M)
0.0001

1.0

0.001

1.0

0.01

1.0

0.1

1.0

1.0

1/[Cu2+]

Ln 1/
[Cu2+]

Emf of the
cell

With the above data, plot a graph of emf of the cell (E cell) against ln 1/[Cu2+]
for the series of cells. Extrapolate until Ecell = 0

RESULTS & CALCULATIONS

A. From the graph, obtain the following.
1. Concentration of Cu2+ at equilibrium. Using the value, determine
experimental equilibrium constant for this redox reaction.

2. Obtain the standard electrode potential (E) for this redox reaction.
B. Using Nernst equation, E = E - RT/nF ln K, calculate the theoretical
value of equilibrium constant for this redox reaction. Compare this value
with experimental result.

cel
l
1

Zinc
half-cell
(M)
1.0

Copper
half-cell
(M)
0.0001

1.0

0.001

1.0

0.01

1.0

0.1

1.0

1.0

1/[Cu2+]

Ln 1/
[Cu2+]

Emf of the
cell

Emf
calculated