We are asked to calculate for the most reasonable value of Q as you throw your dead alkaline battery into the recycling bin.
Recall that the Nernst Equation relates the concentrations of compounds and cell potential.
Ecell = cell potential under non-standard conditions
E°cell = standard cell potential
n = mole e- transferred
Q = reaction quotient = products/reactants
The half-reactions in an alkaline battery are:
Zn(s) + 2 OH−(aq) → ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2 e−
2 MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2 e− → Mn2O3(s) + 2 OH−(aq)
Overall reaction:
Which of the value of Q is most reasonable as you throw your dead alkaline battery into the recycling bin?
1) 1040
2) 1
3) 10-40
4) 40
5) -40
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