Chapter 19: Problem 56
A quantity of \(0.300 \mathrm{~g}\) of copper was deposited from a \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\) solution by passing a current of \(3.00 \mathrm{~A}\) through the solution for 304 s. Calculate the value of the Faraday constant.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Electrochemistry Basics
Understanding these processes is vital for calculating how elements, like copper, can be deposited or removed from solutions. In electroplating, for example, ions from a solution are reduced and deposited onto a surface, forming a thin layer of metal.
The efficiency and rate of these reactions depend on several factors, including the type of metal, the current applied, and the duration of the reaction.
Copper Deposition
During this reaction, electrons are transferred to the copper ions, reducing them to form solid copper. This process is crucial not only in electroplating but also in processes like copper refining.
The quality of the deposited copper layer depends on the precise control of several factors, including current density, temperature, and solution composition.
Understanding Coulombs
To find out how much charge is used during electroplating, the formula \(Q = I \times t\) is used, where \(Q\) is the charge in coulombs, \(I\) is the current in amperes, and \(t\) is the time in seconds.
For example, if you pass a current of \(3.00 \, \text{A}\) for \(304 \, \text{s}\), you calculate the total charge as: \(Q = 3.00 \, \text{A} \times 304 \, \text{s} = 912 \, \text{C}\).
Molar Mass Explained
For copper, the molar mass is approximately \(63.55 \, \text{g/mol}\). This means that one mole of copper atoms weighs 63.55 grams.
In the context of copper deposition, calculating the moles from a given mass helps determine how much copper can be deposited from a solution and how many electrons are involved in the process.
Basics of Mole Calculation
To calculate moles, you use the formula: \(\text{moles} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{molar mass}}\). For example, if you have \(0.300 \, \text{g}\) of copper, you use copper's molar mass (63.55 g/mol) to find the moles: \(\text{moles of Cu} = \frac{0.300 \, \text{g}}{63.55 \, \text{g/mol}} \approx 0.00472 \, \text{mol}\).
Knowing the number of moles is essential for determining how much of other substances will interact with it, and for calculating the Faraday constant, which represents the charge per mole of electrons.