Question

Question #fdc11

Answer 1

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)`