Which is the anode and which is the cathode when doing the electrochemistry:
Zn or I2/I-
Cu or I2/I-
Fe or I2/I-
Ni or I2/I-
To determine which substance is the anode and which is the cathode in an electrochemical cell, you need to compare their reduction potentials.
1. First, find the reduction potentials of each substance. The reduction potential is a measure of the tendency of a substance to gain electrons and be reduced. Reduction potentials are typically given in tables.
2. Look for the reduction potential values for Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, and I2/I- (iodine/iodide).
3. Remember, the anode is where oxidation occurs, meaning it's where electrons are lost. The substance with a lower reduction potential will be oxidized, so it will be the anode. The cathode is where reduction occurs, meaning it's where electrons are gained. The substance with a higher reduction potential will be reduced, so it will be the cathode.
For example:
- If the reduction potential of Zn is lower than I2/I-, Zn will be the anode and I2/I- will be the cathode.
- If the reduction potential of Cu is higher than I2/I-, Cu will be the cathode and I2/I- will be the anode.
Repeat the same process for the remaining pairs of substances to determine the anode and cathode for each electrochemical cell.