Based on the cell reaction:

Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Zn2+(aq)+Cu(s)

Under standard conditions, what is the maximum electrical work, in joules, that the cell can accomplish if 55.0g of copper is plated out?

Wmax=______ J

1.84x10^5

To find the maximum electrical work (Wmax) that can be accomplished by the cell, we need to use the equation:

Wmax = -nFΔE

Where:
- n is the number of moles of electrons transferred in the reaction (also known as the stoichiometric coefficient), which is determined from the balanced equation.
- F is the Faraday constant, which is equal to 96,485 C/mol e-.
- ΔE is the change in cell potential.

In this case, looking at the balanced equation:

Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

We can see that one mole of electrons is transferred since the stoichiometric coefficient in front of Cu2+ is also 1.

Now, to calculate ΔE, we need to know the standard cell potential (E°cell) of this reaction. The standard cell potential can be found in a reference table or using the reduction potentials (E°red) of the half-reactions involved.

The reduction potentials for Zn and Cu are as follows:
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- → Zn(s) E°red = -0.76 V
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) E°red = +0.34 V

Since the cell reaction involves the reduction of Cu2+ (higher reduction potential) and the oxidation of Zn (lower reduction potential), we subtract the oxidation potential from the reduction potential:

ΔE°cell = E°red (Cu2+/Cu) - E°red (Zn2+/Zn)
= (+0.34 V) - (-0.76 V)
= 1.10 V

Note: Under standard conditions, the superscript "°" indicates standard state (1 M concentration and 1 atm pressure).

Now we have all the necessary information to calculate Wmax.

Substituting the values:
Wmax = -nFΔE
Wmax = -(1 mol)(96,485 C/mol e-)(1.10 V)
Wmax ≈ -106,133 J

Since work is defined as the negative product of charge and potential, we have a negative sign in the answer to indicate that work is done on the system (electrical energy is converted into chemical energy).

Therefore, the maximum electrical work (Wmax) that the cell can accomplish if 55.0 g of copper is plated out is approximately -106,133 J.