The standard reduction potential of $Mg^{2+}/Mg, Pb^{2+}/Pb$ and $Sn^{2+}/Sn$ are -2.36, -0.13 and -0.14 V respectively. The reaction $X+Y^{2+}→X^{2+}+Y$ will be spontaneous when: |
$X=Mg, Y=Pb$ $X=Pb, Y=Sn$ $X=Pb, Y=Mg$ $X=Sn, Y=Mg$ |
$X=Mg, Y=Pb$ |
The correct answer is Option (1) → $X=Mg, Y=Pb$. To determine which reaction will be spontaneous, we need to understand how thestandard reduction potential \((E^o)\) values influence the spontaneity of a redox reaction. The general redox reaction is: \(X + Y^{2+} \rightarrow X^{2+} + Y\) For the reaction to be spontaneous, the species \(X \)must be a stronger reducing agent than \(Y\). This means \(X\) must lose electrons and be oxidized, while \(Y^{2+}\) gains electrons and is reduced. In other words, the species \(X\) should have a more negative reduction potential than \(Y^{2+}/Y\). Given data: \( \text{Mg}^{2+}/\text{Mg} = -2.36 \, V \) \( \text{Pb}^{2+}/\text{Pb} = -0.13 \, V \) \( \text{Sn}^{2+}/\text{Sn} = -0.14 \, V \) A redox reaction is spontaneous if the difference in standard reduction potential between the two half-reactions \((E^o)\) gives a positive \(E^o\) cell when the more negative reduction potential is written as oxidation. To predict spontaneity: The species with a more negative \(E^o\) will act as the reducing agent (it will be oxidized). The species with a more positive \(E^o\) will be reduced. Now, let's calculate the cell potential for each option: Option 1: \( X = \text{Mg}, Y = \text{Pb} \) Oxidation half-reaction \((Mg \longrightarrow Mg^{2+})\): \( E^o = +2.36 \, V \) Reduction half-reaction \((Pb^{2+} \longrightarrow Pb)\): \( E^o = -0.13 \, V \) \(E^o_{cell} = 2.36 \, V - (-0.13 \, V) = 2.36 + 0.13 = +2.23 \, V\) This reaction is spontaneous. Option 2: \( X = \text{Pb}, Y = \text{Sn} \) Oxidation half-reaction \((Pb \longrightarrow Pb^{2+})\): \(E^o = +0.13 \, V \) Reduction half-reaction \((Sn^{2+} \longrightarrow Sn)\): \( E^o = -0.14 \, V \) \(E^o_{cell} = 0.13 \, V - (-0.14 \, V) = +0.13 + 0.14 = +0.27 \, V\) This reaction is spontaneous. Option 3: \( X = \text{Pb}, Y = \text{Mg} \) Oxidation half-reaction \((Pb \longrightarrow Pb^{2+})\): \( E^o = +0.13 \, V \) Reduction half-reaction \((Mg^{2+} \longrightarrow Mg)\): \( E^o = -2.36 \, V \) \(E^o_{cell} = 0.13 \, V - (-2.36 \, V) = 0.13 + 2.36 = +2.49 \, V\) This reaction is spontaneous. Option 4: \( X = \text{Sn}, Y = \text{Mg} \) Oxidation half-reaction \((Sn \longrightarrow Sn^{2+})\): \( E^o = +0.14 \, V \) Reduction half-reaction \((Mg^{2+} \longrightarrow Mg)\): \( E^o = -2.36 \, V \) \(E^o_{cell} = 0.14 \, V - (-2.36 \, V) = 0.14 + 2.36 = +2.50 \, V\) This reaction is spontaneous Conclusion: The following reactions are spontaneous: 1. \( X = \text{Mg}, Y = \text{Pb} \) 2. \( X = \text{Pb}, Y = \text{Sn} \) 3. \( X = \text{Pb}, Y = \text{Mg} \) 4. \( X = \text{Sn}, Y = \text{Mg} \) Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1: X = Mg, Y = Pb. |