Question:medium

The following reaction takes place in a cell at 298 K: $2M^{3+}(aq) + 2I^{-}(aq) \rightarrow 2M^{2+}(aq) + I_2(s)$. What is the value of $\log K_c$ for this reaction? (Given: $E_{cell}^\circ = 0.235 V, F = 96500 C mol^{-1}, R = 8.3 J mol^{-1} K^{-1}$)

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$\log K_c = \frac{n E_{cell}^\circ}{0.0591}$ at 298 K.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • 7.04
  • 7.96
  • 9.04
  • 6.55
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Note what the cell does.
In $2M^{3+} + 2I^{-} \rightarrow 2M^{2+} + I_2$, each $M^{3+}$ gains one electron and two of them react, so a total of $n = 2$ electrons are transferred. We must find $\log K_c$.

Step 2: Link the standard cell potential to the equilibrium constant.
At equilibrium the free energy gives \[ nFE^\circ_{cell} = RT \ln K_c = 2.303\,RT \log K_c \] This is the bridge between electrochemistry and equilibrium.

Step 3: Rearrange for $\log K_c$.
\[ \log K_c = \frac{nFE^\circ_{cell}}{2.303\,RT} \]

Step 4: Put in the given values.
Here $n=2$, $F=96500$, $E^\circ_{cell}=0.235$, $R=8.3$, $T=298$. The top becomes $2 \times 96500 \times 0.235 = 45355$.

Step 5: Work out the bottom.
$2.303 \times 8.3 \times 298 = 2.303 \times 2473.4 \approx 5696$.

Step 6: Divide and conclude.
\[ \log K_c = \frac{45355}{5696} \approx 7.96 \] So the answer is about $7.96$.
\[ \boxed{7.96} \]
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