Question

The concentration of potassium ions inside a biological cell is at least 20 times higher than outside. The resulting potential difference across the cell is important in several processes such as transmission of nerve impulses and maintaining the ion balance. A simplel model for a concentration cell involving a metal `M` is
`M(s)|M^(o+)(aq,0.05 ` molar`)||M^(o+)(aq,1` molar`)|M(s)`
For the abov electrolytic cell, the magnitude of the cell potential is `|E_(cell)|=70mV.`
For the above cell
A. `E_("cell")lt0,Delta G gt0`
B. `E_("cell")gt0, Delta G lt0`
C. `E_("cell")lt0, Delta G^(@)gt0`
D. `E_("cell")gt 0, Delta G^(@)gt0`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - B
`M(s) +M_((aq)1M)^(@) rarr M_((aq)0.05M)^(@) +M(s)`
According to Nernst equation.
`E_(cell) = 0 - (2.303RT)/(F) log. (M_(0.05M)^(+))/(M_(1M)^(+))`
`=0 - (2.303 RT)/(F) log (5 xx 10^(-2))`
`= +ve`
Hence, `|E_(cell)| = E_(cell) = 0.70V` and `DeltaG lt 0` for the feasibility of the reaction.