Question

Using the standard electrode potential, predict if the reaction between the following is feasible.

Fe³⁺(aq) and Cu(s)

Answer 1

The possible reaction between `"Fe"_(("aq"))^(3+)` and `"Cu"_(("s"))` is given by,

\[\ce{2Fe^{3+}_{ (aq)} + Cu_{(s)} -> 2Fe^{2+}_{ (s)} + Cu^{2+}_{ (aq)}}\]

Oxidation half equation:	\[\ce{Cu_{(s)} -> Cu^{2+}_{ (aq)} + 2e-}\]; E° = - 0.34 V
Reduction half equation:	\[\ce{[Fe^{3+}_{ (aq)} + e- -> Fe^{2+}_{(s)}] × 2}\]; E° = + 0.77 V
	\[\ce{2Fe^{3+}_{ (aq)} + Cu_{(s)} -> 2Fe^{2+}_{ (s)} + Cu^{2+}_{ (aq)}}\]; E° = + 0.43 V

E° positive for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between `"Fe"_(("aq"))^(3+)` and `"Cu"_(("s"))` is feasible.