Question

The E° of Cu2+/Cu is +0.34V. What does it signify?

Answer 1

Explanation:

The standard reduction potentials of

and

are 0.337 V and 0.153V respectively. The standard electrode potential of

half-cell is

Answer 2

It signifies that Cu²⁺ ions get reduced more easily than the H⁺ ions.

- The standard electrode potential of Cu²⁺/Cu couple is given as = +0.34 V

- A positive E° value means that the redox couple is a weaker reducing agent than the H⁺/H₂ couple.

- Hence, the positive E° value of Cu²⁺/Cu couple indicates that Cu²⁺ ions get reduced more easily than the H⁺ ions.

- In other words, it indicates that the reverse process cannot occur, i.e., hydrogen ions cannot oxidise Cu. This is also the reason why copper does not dissolve in HCl.