Which equation of Cu to use at the cathode? (1 Viewer)

[BlueGas]

Which equation (if Copper is at the cathode) should I use?

 

[Ekman]

Are you asking which reaction is used for copper if it was at the cathode. It would be the forward reaction because copper reduces at the cathode, as the forward reaction shows.

 

[Kaido]

Cathode = Reduction = Gain of electrons

therefore the one shown there is the correct one (no need to reverse)

Edit: nvm, prob misinterpreted your Q

 

[Drsoccerball]

Its usually copper (II) unless mentioned otherwise

 

[Kaido]

lol 3 ppl posted at same time ahaha

 

[BlueGas]

They're both reduction reactions, but I don't know which one to use, they both have different values so I might end up with the wrong E total value.

 

[Drsoccerball]

They're both reduction reactions, but I don't know which one to use, they both have different values so I might end up with the wrong E total value.

It specifies in the question which one to use

 

[BlueGas]

It specifies in the question which one to use

This question doesn't though...

 

[DepressedPenguino]

Cathode: cu2+ +2e- -> cu (s) 0.34V

 

[BlueGas]

Cathode: cu2+ +2e- -> cu (s) 0.34V

Yeah that's the right equation for this question, but why? Why not use the other equation?

 

[Drsoccerball]

Yeah that's the right equation for this question, but why? Why not use the other equation?

You assume its cu2+ unless specified

 

[rand_althor]

Most of the time you would use Cu2+. I think it's because for aqueous solutions Cu2+ is more stable than Cu+. The reason why this is true seems to be beyond HSC Chemistry (http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=3055.0)

 

[BlueGas]

You assume its cu2+ unless specified

So what will the question say if the other equation is required?

 

[rand_althor]

So what will the question say if the other equation is required?

It probably wouldn't explicitly state it. The question might say Copper (I) nitrate, or CuNO3, which shows that Cu+ is the ion you're dealing with.