Mapua University

School of School of Chemical, Biological, and

Materials Engineering and Sciences

Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory

First Quarter SY 2019-2020

Experiment 4: Galvanic Cells, the Nernst Equation

Gallardo, Hans Tristan M..
CM011L-B10 Group No. 4

Abstract

As an abstract of the experimentation, the experiment has a general objective of tackling the different properties of a galvanic
cell as can be observed in the process of electrolysis. To further dive into detail, the first of the objectives is to measure the
relative reduction potentials for a number of redox couple. Given this, it can be said that the experiment aims to quantify the
reduction potentials of the provided redox reaction. In addition to this, another objective of the experiment is the development
towards the understanding of the students regarding the properties of a galvanic cell, in relation with the movement of electrons,
anions, and cations within the galvanic cell itself. Furthermore, the experiment also additionally aims to theoretically differentiate
and study the different factors that can affect cell potential. Lastly, another objective of the study is to quantify the concentration
of ions within the provided solutions, through the utilization of the Nernst equation. As a result and conclusion of the
computation in this experiment, it was found out that the reduction potential experimental for Cu-Zn is 0.296 while the reduction
potential experimental for Zn-Fe is -0.782. For part B and C, the effects of change in concentrations on cell potentials were
observed then it was also graphed.

© 2019 Gallardo

Keywords: Thermochemistry; Voltaic Cells, Nernst equation

1. Introduction

According to (“Electrochemical Reaction”, 2019), It can be stated that an electrochemical reaction is comprised
by a branch of chemistry that specifically deals with the interconversion between chemical energy and electrical
energy. As such, this signifies the correlation of electrochemistry with the existing known functions that relies on
the property of electrical energy, from the transfer of neurological impulses with a human’s body to the mechanics
that any type of battery revolves upon. Having said these, electrochemical reactions can simply be redefined as any
function that relies on the properties of chemical reaction in order to produce energy in the form of electrical power.
As an example, a precise example of an electrochemical reaction would be the reaction of zinc metal with copper
(II) ions, which can theoretically be categorized as a redox reaction. In order to again further emphasize on the topic
at hand, redox reaction as described by (“Oxidation-Reduction reactions”, 2019), is a type of chemical reaction that
specifically tackles the transfer of electrons at the occurrence of the reaction. As such, this goes to say that a redox
reaction is a reaction in which the oxidation number of a given molecule, atom, or ion changes by means of gaining
or losing an electron. Hence, the theory of the experiment to be performed can be observed to revolve upon the
theories encompassed with electrochemistry and redox reactions. Furthermore, with regards to this experiment, a
galvanic cell is being utilized in order to produce the electrochemical reaction. To further clarify, based on
(“Chapter 17. Galvanic Cells”, n.a.), galvanic cells are “are electrochemical cells in which spontaneous oxidation-
reduction reactions produce electrical energy”. Provided this information, it can be stated that the galvanic cell is
designed to take advantage of the stated spontaneous reaction in order to force electrons to run through an external
circuit to reduce one variable and oxidize the other. Moreover, in a galvanic cell, two (2) half-cells are provided
 CM011L Laboratory Report
with an anode and a cathode that is directly connected externally as a circuit to pass electrons; a salt bridge is also
utilized in order to maintain neutrality between the ions that comprises the galvanic cell. By definition, a salt bridge
is a device or apparatus used to connect the half-cells of a galvanic cell – salt bridges are used in order for the half-
cells to reach equilibrium slower, thus aiding the electrochemical reaction by serving as an internal circuit. Moving
on, as previously stated, an anode and a cathode is utilized in order to serve as an external circuit. To further clarify,
with regards to electrochemical reaction, as well as this experiment, the anode is placed within the cell in which the
oxidation occurs while the cathode is place where the reduction occurs. Through this, electron transfer in where a
redox reaction occurs, is performed (“Voltaic Cells”, 2019).

In addition to the stated definitions, cell potential of a galvanic cell can be defined as a potential that roots from
the difference in the oxidation tendency of the two metals to oxidize (“Cell Potential”, 2019). As such, in order to
determine the ion that accepts the electron, a potential known as reduction potential is observed and gathered in this
experiment. Given that it is necessitated to gather the cell potential of the provided ion substances, a multimeter is
also employed and used in order to gather the stated cell potential by attaching the alligator clips to both the anode
and the cathode. In addition to the already provided information, a standard cell potential is assumed under the
condition that there is a presence of a same molarity (mol/ L) and temperature (degree Celsius) between the ions.

1.1. Standard Cell Potential Formula

However, under the assumption that a non-standard cell potential is observed, the Nernst equation is applied and
utilized. To further define the Nernst equation, the Nernst equation can be stated as:

1.1. Non-standard Cell Potential Formula

Given the stated information, the experiment can now be performed with sufficient knowledge and introduction
regarding the necessitated theories and formulas to be utilized throughout the experiment’s computational aspect.

2. Methodology

Provided that the experimentation was not fully done by the students, the procedure in the laboratory manual
Shall serve as the guide and substitute for the lack in process. In order to begin with the methodology, the
following materials to be used are as follows:
Materials:
 Beakers
 Strips of copper, zinc, magnesium, and iron metal
 Steel wool or sandpaper
 Multimeter
 Pipette
 Volumetric flasks
 Alligator clips
 Filter paper
 CM011L Laboratory Report

Procedure:

Part A: Reduction Potentials of Several Redox Couples

1. Collect the electrodes, solutions, and equipment. Obtain four small (~50 mL) beakers and fill them
three-fourths full of the 0.1 M solutions. Share these solutions with other chemists/group of chemists in
the laboratory. Polish strips of copper, zinc, magnesium, and iron metal with steel wool or sandpaper,
rinse briefly with dilute (~0.1 M) HNO3 (Caution!), rinse with deionized water. These polished metals,
used as electrodes, should be bent to extend over the lip of their respective beakers. Check out a
multimeter (or a voltmeter) with two electrical wires (preferable a red and black wire) attached to
alligator clips.
2. Set up the copper-zinc cell. Place a Cu strip (electrode) in the CuSO 4 solution and a Zn strip (electrode)
in the Zn(NO3)2 solution. Roll and flatten a piece of filter paper; wet the filter paper with a 0.1 M KNO3
solution. Fold and insert the ends of the filter paper into the solutions in the two beakers; this is the salt
bridge (See Fig. 1 (a)). Set the multimeter to the 2000-mV range or as appropriate. Connect the
electrode to the negative terminal of the multimeter and the other to the positive terminal.
3. Determine the copper-zinc cell potential. If the multimeter reads a negative potential, reverse the
connections to the electrodes (See Fig. 1 (b)). Read and record the (positive) cell potential. Identify the
metal strips that serve as the cathode (positive terminal) and the anode. Write and equation for the half-
reaction occurring at each electrode. Combine the two half-reactions to write the equation for the cell
reaction.
4. Repeat for the remaining cells. Determine the cell potentials for all possible galvanic cells that can be
constructed from the four redox couples. Refer to the Report Sheet for the various galvanic cells.
Prepare a new salt bridge for each galvanic cell.
5. Determine the relative reduction potentials. Assuming the reduction potential of the Zn 2+ (0.1 M)/Zn
redox couple is -0.79 V, calculate the reduction potentials of all other redox couples.
6. Determine the reduction potential of the unknown redox couple. Place a 0.1 M solution and
electrode obtained from your instructor in a small beaker. Determine the reduction potential, relative to
the Zn2+ (0.1 M)/Zn redox couple, for your unknown redox couple.

Part B: Effect of Concentration Changes on Cell Potential

1. Effect of different molar concentrations. Set up the galvanic cell using 1 M CuSO4 and 0.001 M
CuSO4 solutions. Immerse a polished copper electrode in each solution. Prepare a salt bridge (Part A.2)
to connect the two half-cells (See Fig. 2 (a)). Measure the cell potential (See Fig. 2 (b)). Determine the
anode and the cathode. Write an equation for the reaction occurring at each electrode.
2. Effect of complex formation. Add 2-5 mL of 6 M NH3 to the 0.001 M CuSO4 solution until any
precipitate redissolves. (Caution: Do not inhale NH3.) Observe and record any changes in the half-cell
and the cell potential.
3. Effect of precipitate formation. Add 2-5 mL pf 0.2 M Na2S to the 0.001 M CuSO4 solution now
containing the added NH3. What is observed in the half-cell and what happens to the cell potential?
Record your observations.

Part C: The Nernst Equation and an Unknown Concentration

1. Prepare the diluted solutions. Prepare solutions 1 through 4 using a 1-mL pipet and 100-mL
volumetric flasks (See Fig. 3). See Prelaboratory Assignment, question 3. Be sure to rinse the pipet
with the more concentrated solution before making the transfer. Use deionized water for dilution to the
mark in the volumetric flasks. Calculate the molar concentration of the Cu 2+ ion for each solution and
record.
 CM011L Laboratory Report
2. Measure and calculate the cell potential for solution 4. Set up the experiment using small (~50 mL)
beakers.
The ZN2+/Zn redox couple is the reference half-cell for this part of the experiment. Connect the two
half-cells with a new salt bridge. Reset the multimeter to the lowest range (~200 mV). Connect the
electrodes to the multimeter and record the potential difference, Ecell, expt. Calculate the theoretical cell
potential, Ecell ,calc. (Use a table of standard reduction potentials and the Nernst equation.
3. Measure and calculate the cell potentials for solutions 3 and 2. Repeat Part C.2 with solutions 3 and
2, respectively. A freshly prepared salt bridge is required for each cell. See data from Part A.3 for the
potential of Solution 1.
4. Plot the data. Plot Ecell, exp and Ecell, calc (ordinate) versus pCu (abscissa) on the same piece of linear graph
paper or by using appropriate software for the four concentrations of CuSO4. Have your instructor
approve your graph.
5. Determine the concentration of the unknown. Obtain a CuSO4 solution with an unknown copper ion
concentration from your instructor and set up a like galvanic cell. Determine Ecell as in Part C.2. Using
the graph, determine the unknown copper (II) ion concentration in the solution.

a. b.

Fig. 1. (a) The provided cells and (b) the resulting multimeter reading

a. b.
 CM011L Laboratory Report

Fig. 2 (a) Galvanic cell and (b) its cell potential

Fig. 3. Preparing diluted solutions

3. Results and Discussions

A. Reduction Potentials of Several Redox Couples

Table 1.1 Reduction Potentials of Several Redox Couples

Galvanic Cell Ecell Anode Equation for Anode Cathod Equation for Cathode

Measured Half- Reaction e Half-Reaction

−¿ ¿
Cu-Zn 1.086 Zn 2 +¿+2 e Cu
−¿→Cu ¿

Cu 2+¿+2 e
¿
Zn→ Zn ¿

−¿¿ 2−¿ ¿

Cu-Fe 1.067 Cu Cu→ Cu 2+¿+2 e ¿ Fe −¿ →Fe ¿

Fe3 +¿+ 2e ¿

−¿ ¿ 2−¿ ¿

Zn-Fe 0.008 Zn Zn→ Zn2 +¿+2 e ¿ Fe −¿ →Fe ¿

Fe3 +¿+ 2e ¿

1. Write the balanced equation for the cell reactions.

Cu-Zn: Zn(s )+Cu2 +¿(aq )¿ → Zn2+ ¿ (aq )+Cu (s )

¿

2+¿ ( s )¿
2+¿ (aq ) +2 Fe ¿
Cu-Fe: Cu(s ) +2 Fe3 +¿ aq →Cu
( ) ¿

2+¿ ( s )¿
2+¿ (aq ) +2 Fe ¿
Zn-Fe: Zn(s )+ 2 Fe3 +¿ (aq ) →Zn ¿
 CM011L Laboratory Report

Table 1.2 Reduction Potentials (experimental and theoretical

Galvanic Ecell Redox Reduction Potential Reduction Potential % Error

Cell Measured Couple (experimental) (theoretical)

Cu-Zn 1.086 Cu 2 +¿ 0.296 0.31 4.51%
¿
Cu
Zn-Fe 0.008 Fe 2+¿ −0.782 −0.47 66.38%
¿
Fe
Zn-Zn 0 Zn2+ ¿ −0.79 −2.40 0.00
¿
Zn

Calculation for the Reduction Potential (experimental)

EM 2+ ¿/M
= Ecell ,measured ¿ + (-0.79V)

Cu – Zn → 1.086 + (-0.79V) = 0.296V

Zn – Fe → 0.008 V + (-0.79V) = -0.782V

% Error Calculation

experimental−theoretical
Cu – Zn → % Error = × 100
theoretical

0.296 V −0.31 V
→ % Error = ×100
0.31V

→ % Error = 4.51%

experimental−theoretical
Zn – Fe → % Error = × 100
theoretical

−0.782V −(−0.47 V )
→ % Error = × 100
−0.47 V

→ % Error = 66.38%

B. Effect of Concentration Changes in Cell Potential

1. Cell Potential of Concentration cell: 0.296V

−¿ ¿
Anode half-reaction: Cu(s) → Cu 2+¿(aq)+2 e ¿

−¿ →¿
Cathode half-reaction: Cu2+¿(aq)+2 e ¿
Cu2+¿(s)¿
 CM011L Laboratory Report
When a difference in the molar concentration is apparent within the provided variables, the potential must
be recorded in order to further differentiate and be precise with the data gathering. As such, much like the
provided difference in molar concentration in the experiment, the potential is recorded.

C. The Nernst Equation and an Unknown Concentration

Solution Concentration of Cu Ecell , experimental -log [Cu 2+¿ ¿ , pCu Ecell , calculated
Number ( NO 3)2
1 0.1 mol/L 0.031 0 0.34
2 0.1 0.025 1 0.31
3 0.01 0.024 2 0.28
4 0.001 0.021 3 0.26

Figure 1.1. Graph of Cell Potential ( Ecell ¿ vs pCu

 CM011L Laboratory Report

The graph as illustrated above, demonstrates the cell potential of the first three galvanic cells that was observed
and computed for. These couple reaction were balanced, computed for, and observed as the changes surfaced and
became visible as can be seen in the graph that proportionate the cell potential and pCu in such a way that as PCu
increases, the cell potential decreases in return. These couples are are Cu-Zn, Cu-Fe and Zn-Fe. The cell potentials,
as graphed above, can also be seen on the table provided (See Table C.). The balanced and correct equation for the
anode and cathode are necessitated in order to gather the stated information as well. In addition to this, the observed
experimental reduction potential for Cu-Zn is 0.296 while the experimental reduction potential for Zn-Fe is -0.782.
Hence, this goes to show the value of the experimental reduction potential for the provided couples.

4. Conclusion

As a conclusion, it can be stated that the numerous properties of a galvanic cell were observed and gathered in
order to achieve the objective of the experimentation. First, as observed, the oxidation occurs in such a way that as
the reduction occurs within the half-cell where the cathode is in place, an oxidation occurs in where the cathode is
located. As such, this goes to show a full redox reaction. Second, an electrochemical reaction concerning a non-
standard cell potential was also observed within the third part of the experiment and was computed for. From this, it
can be stated that the Nernst equation is a derivation of the standard cell potential formula in such a way that, the
Nernst equation take the difference in molarity into consideration. Furthermore, it was also observed that as stated
within the introduction of the paper, the galvanic cell utilizes the spontaneous redox reaction of the provided ions in
order to produce the electricity as seen in the multimeter when the model was tested. Based on the observations of
the experimentalists, it was concluded that while the transfer of electrons occurs on the external circuit, the internal
circuit on the other hand manages and mitigates the instantaneous redox reaction in order to allow a more efficient
electron transfer or oxidation. The voltage on the other hand, was easily observable through the use of the
multimeter. By utilizing the properties of the anodes and cathodes, the voltage of the redox reaction was easily
gathered as the alligator clips were attached to the anode and cathode with respect to polarity in such a way that the
voltage is always positive. The reduction potential experimental for Cu-Zn is 0.296 while the reduction potential
experimental for Zn-Fe is -0.782. For part B and C, the effects of change in concentrations on cell potentials were
observed then it was also graphed.

References

[1] Electrochemical Reaction, (2019). Retrieved from:

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Book%3A_Introductory_Chemistry_(CK-
12)/23%3A_Electrochemistry/23.02%3A_Electrochemical_Reaction

[2] Oxidation-Reduction reactions, (2019). Retrieved from:

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Book%3A_Introductory_Chemistry_(CK-
12)/23%3A_Electrochemistry/23.02%3A_Electrochemical_Reaction

[3] Chapter 17. Galvanic Cells, (n.a.). Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/

[4] Voltaic Cells”, (2019). Retrieved from:

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)
/Electrochemistry/Voltaic_Cells

[5] Cell Potential,( 2019). Retrieved from:

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemi
stry)/Electrochemistry/Voltaic_Cells/The_Cell_Potential