To find the standard reduction potential for the overall reaction Cu2+(aq)+2e−→Cu(s), we need to use standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG∘).
Given half-reactions:
-
Cu2+(aq)+e−→Cu+(aq)E1∘=0.15 V
ΔG1∘=−n1FE1∘=−1×F×0.15=−0.15F
-
Cu+(aq)+e−→Cu(s)E2∘=0.50 V
ΔG2∘=−n2FE2∘=−1×F×0.50=−0.50F
Adding equations (1) and (2) gives the required equation:
Cu2+(aq)+2e−→Cu(s)
ΔG3∘=ΔG1∘+ΔG2∘=−0.15F+(−0.50F)=−0.65F
For the overall reaction, ΔG3∘=−n3FE3∘, where n3=2.
−2×F×E3∘=−0.65F
E3∘=20.65=+0.325 V.
Therefore, ECu2+/Cu∘=0.325 V.