CHY1009 Chemistry and

Environmental Studies

Electrochemistry: Verification of Nernst Equation

Using Daniel Cell
 Principle
Daniel Cell is formed by Zn2+/Zn and Cu2+/Cu half cells

Potential difference between the two electrodes, anode and cathode

in an electrochemical cell can be expressed by Nernst Equation

Q = [Zn2+] / [Cu2+]

E0 = 1.10 V at standard state

Aim:
To test the effect of concertation of Cu2+ ion on the Ecell
Procedure:
• Step 1: Preparation of solutions
Stock solutions: Prepare 1.0 M CuSO4 and 1.0 M ZnSO4 solutions.
From 1.0 M CuSO4, prepare 0.1 M, 0.01 M and 0.001 M CuSO4 solutions.
• Step 2: Prepare voltaic cell using Zn2+/Zn and Cu2+/Cu as anode and cathode respectively
using aqueous KNO3 soaked filter paper as salt bridge.
Keep the both Zn2+ and Cu2+ as 1.0 M.

• Step 3: Measure the cell voltage (Ecell) for the above cell using a multimeter

• Step 4: Vary the concentration of Cu2+ and measure the Ecell for each concentration of Cu2+.

• Step 5. Same way measure the Ecell for unknown Cu2+ solution

• Step 6. Set up a calibration graph using the function Ecell([Cu2+]).

From slope, Ecell(unknown), and E0Cell find the concentration of Cu2+ in unknown solution.
Measurements
Table 1. Variation of Ecell with respect to concentration of Cu2+

S. Concentration of Cu2+ Ecell (V)

No (M)
1 1.0 1.079
2 0.1 1.048
3 0.01 1.037
4 0.001 1.018
5 Unknown 1.054
Result:

Results:
1. Concentration of Cu2+ in unknown solution ___________________

2. Slope value = ___________________