Question

Predict whether the following reaction will occur spontaneously at 298 K: 

\[\ce{Co_{(s)} + Fe{^{2+}_{(aq)}} -> Co{^{2+}_{(aq)}} + Fe_{(s)}}\]

Given: \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{Co^{2+}/{Co}}}}\] = −0.28 V and \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{Fe^{2+}/{Fe}}}}\] = −0.44 V.

Answer 1

Given: \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{Co^{2+}/{Co}}}}\] = −0.28 V

\[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{Fe^{2+}/{Fe}}}}\] = −0.44 V

We know that

\[\ce{E{^{\circ}_{cell}} = E{^{\circ}_{cathode}} - E{^{\circ}_{anode}}}\]

= −0.44 − (−0.28)

= −0.16 V

\[\ce{E^{\circ}_{cell}}\] < 0.

The reaction is not spontaneous under standard conditions.

∴ The reaction will not occur spontaneously at 298 K.