Textbook Problem

Table 17-1 lists common half-reactions along with the standard reduction potential associated with each half-reaction. These standard reduction potentials are all relative to some standard. What is the standard (zero point)? lf is positive for a half-reaction, what does it mean? If is negative for a half-reaction, what does it mean? Which species in Table 17-1 is most easily reduced? Least easily reduced? The reverse of the half-reactions in Table 17-1 are the oxidation half-reactions. How are standard oxidation potentials determined? In Table 17-1, which species is the best reducing agent? The worst reducing agent?

To determine the standard cell potential for a redox reaction, the standard reduction potential is added to the standard oxidation potential. What must be true about this sum if the cell is to be spontaneous (produce a galvanic cell)? Standard reduction and oxidation potentials are intensive. What does this mean? Summarize how line notation is used to describe galvanic cells.