JEE Main · 2020 · Shift-ImediumEC-080

E°Cu2+/Cu = +0.34\ V; E°Zn2+/Zn = -0.76\ V Identify the incorrect statement from the options below for the above cell:

Electrochemistry · Class 12 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

image E°Cu2+/Cu=+0.34 VE°_{\mathrm{Cu^{2+}/Cu}} = +0.34\ \mathrm{V}; E°Zn2+/Zn=0.76 VE°_{\mathrm{Zn^{2+}/Zn}} = -0.76\ \mathrm{V}

Identify the incorrect statement from the options below for the above cell:

Options
  1. a

    If Eext>1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} > 1.1\ \mathrm{V}, ee^- flow from Cu to Zn

  2. b

    If Eext>1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} > 1.1\ \mathrm{V}, Zn dissolves at Zn electrode and Cu deposits at Cu electrode

  3. c

    If Eext<1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} < 1.1\ \mathrm{V}, Zn dissolves at anode and Cu deposits at cathode

  4. d

    If Eext=1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} = 1.1\ \mathrm{V}, no flow of ee^- or current occurs

Correct Answerb

If Eext>1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} > 1.1\ \mathrm{V}, Zn dissolves at Zn electrode and Cu deposits at Cu electrode

Detailed Solution

Strategy: Analyze the behavior of a Daniel cell under an \texternal opposing potential (EextE_{\text{ext}}). Transition from galvanic to equilibrium to electrolytic behavior at critical voltage levels.

Cell Analysis (E=1.1 VE^\circ = 1.1 \text{ V}):

  1. Eext<1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} < 1.1 \text{ V}: Normal galvanic operation. Zn dissolves (Anode) and Cu deposits (Cathode). Statement (c) is correct.
  2. Eext=1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} = 1.1 \text{ V}: System at equilibrium. No chemical change or current. Statement (d) is correct.
  3. Eext>1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} > 1.1 \text{ V}: Electrolytic operation. The reaction reverses. Cu dissolves (now Anode) and Zn deposits (now Cathode). Electrons flow from Cu to Zn. Statement (a) is correct.

The Incorrect Statement: Statement (b) claims that if Eext>1.1 VE_{\text{ext}} > 1.1 \text{ V}, Zn dissolves and Cu deposits. This is the forward (galvanic) reaction, not the reverse electrolytic one.

Answer: (b) If Eext>1.1 V, Zn dissolves at Zn electrode and Cu deposits at Cu electrode\boxed{\text{Answer: (b) If } E_{\text{ext}} > 1.1\text{ V, Zn dissolves at Zn electrode and Cu deposits at Cu electrode}}

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E°Cu2+/Cu = +0.34\ V; E°Zn2+/Zn = -0.76\ V Identify the incorrect statement from the options below… (JEE Main 2020) | Canvas Classes