QuestionJuly 11, 2025

What property characterizes a spontaneous redox reaction? A. A positive sum of the two half -reactions' standard potentials B. A positive oxidation potential for the oxidation half-reaction C. A negative sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials D. A positive reduction potential for the reduction half-reaction

What property characterizes a spontaneous redox reaction? A. A positive sum of the two half -reactions' standard potentials B. A positive oxidation potential for the oxidation half-reaction C. A negative sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials D. A positive reduction potential for the reduction half-reaction
What property characterizes a spontaneous redox reaction? A. A positive sum of the two half -reactions' standard potentials B. A positive oxidation potential for the oxidation half-reaction C. A negative sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials D. A positive reduction potential for the reduction half-reaction

Solution
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Answer

A. A positive sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials Explanation 1. Identify the condition for spontaneity A spontaneous redox reaction is characterized by a positive overall cell potential (E^\circ_{\text{cell}}). 2. Relate to standard potentials The overall cell potential is the sum of the standard reduction potentials of the two half-reactions: E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{red}} + E^\circ_{\text{ox}}. For spontaneity, this sum must be positive. 3. Analyze options Option A describes a positive sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials, which aligns with the condition for spontaneity.

Explanation

1. Identify the condition for spontaneity<br /> A spontaneous redox reaction is characterized by a positive overall cell potential ($E^\circ_{\text{cell}}$).<br /><br />2. Relate to standard potentials<br /> The overall cell potential is the sum of the standard reduction potentials of the two half-reactions: $E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{red}} + E^\circ_{\text{ox}}$. For spontaneity, this sum must be positive.<br /><br />3. Analyze options<br /> Option A describes a positive sum of the two half-reactions' standard potentials, which aligns with the condition for spontaneity.
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