Question

The table below lists the cell potentials for the 10 possible galvanic cells assembled from the metals A, B, C, D, and E and their respective 1.00 M²⁺ ions in solution. Using the data in the table, establish a standard reduction

A potential table similar to Table 11.1 in the text. Assign a reduction potential of 0.00 V to the half-reaction that falls in the middle of the series. You should get two different tables. Explain why, and discuss what you could do to determine which table is correct.

Short answer

Add metal C to a solution with D²⁺and metal D to a solution with C²⁺.

If the solution is D, the first table is correct. And, if C comes out of the solution, the second table is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Analyzing the first table

Assuming 0.53 V = 0, for every half-cell reaction, the half-cell potential should come out as mentioned in the table. If the table comes out in the following order, the solution is metal D.

This table is correct if the solution is D

Analyzing the second table

Redrawing the table

This table is correct if the solution is C