Chemistry

Problem

E_{RP}

for

M^{(x+n)+} + ne \longrightarrow M^{x+}

are 0.115 V and 0.101 V respectively, when percentage of reduced form is 25 and 50 respectively. What is the value of

n

Intuitive explanation

The key insight is that the Nernst equation relates electrode potential to the ratio of oxidized and reduced forms—as this ratio changes, $E_{RP}$ shifts predictably. Since you're given two different potentials at two different percentages of reduced form, you can set up two Nernst equations and solve for $n$ by comparing how the potential changes when the concentration ratio doubles. The ratio of potentials will reveal the number of electrons transferred.

Intuitive explanation

Browse the problem library