AP Chemistry
9.9 Cell Potential and Free Energy
9.8 Galvanic (Voltaic) and Electrolytic Cells
An electrolytic cell is used to decompose individual samples of three pure molten chloride salts: \(\text{NaCl(l)}\), \(\text{MgCl}_2\text{(l)}\), and \(\text{ZnCl}_2\text{(l)}\). The standard reduction potentials for the relevant half-reactions are shown in the table below.
Which of the following lists the three molten salts in order of the minimum theoretical external voltage required to induce decomposition, from greatest to least?
| Half-reaction | \(E^\circ\text{ (V)}\) |
|---|---|
| \(\text{Zn}^{2+} + 2\,\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Zn(s)}\) | \(-0.76\) |
| \(\text{Mg}^{2+} + 2\,\text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Mg(s)}\) | \(-2.37\) |
| \(\text{Na}^+ + \text{e}^- \rightarrow \text{Na(s)}\) | \(-2.71\) |
| \(\text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} + 2\,\text{e}^- \rightarrow 2\,\text{Cl}^-\) | \(+1.36\) |
Which of the following lists the three molten salts in order of the minimum theoretical external voltage required to induce decomposition, from greatest to least?
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