Determine the minimum potential difference that must be applied to the following electrolytic cell to cause a chemical reaction.
Cu(s) / Cu^2+ (aq), SO4^2-(aq) / Cu(s)
The minimum potential difference required to cause a chemical reaction in an electrolytic cell is equal to the standard cell potential (E°) of the cell.
The given cell has the following half-reactions:
Reduction half-reaction: Cu^2+ (aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) E° = +0.34 V
Oxidation half-reaction: Cu(s) → Cu^2+ (aq) + 2e- E° = -0.34 V
The overall cell potential (E°cell) is the sum of the reduction and oxidation potentials:
E°cell = E°reduction + E°oxidation
E°cell = +0.34 V + (-0.34 V)
E°cell = 0 V
Therefore, the minimum potential difference that must be applied to the given electrolytic cell to cause a chemical reaction is 0 V.