Question #fdc11

1 Answer
Dec 21, 2017

In general terms,

Concentration, the reduction potential of the metal cation, and the oxidizing strength of the anode. If there are others, please edit them in!

For instance, if I have a magnesium anode and a aqueous copper sulfate solution in the cathode. This reaction will occur (very) readily:

#DeltaG° = -2*(96485J)/(V*mol) * 2.71V approx (-523kJ)/(mol)#

Magnesium has very high oxidizing strength and copper has a fair reduction potential. The magnesium oxidization will supply many electrons for the copper cations to be reduced,

#2Mg(s) + Cu^(2+)(aq) rightleftharpoons Cu(s) + 2Mg^(+)(aq)#