JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3mt031
Scrap iron is added to a solution of CuSOX4 obtained by acid leaching of a low-grade ore. Given E∘(CuX2+/Cu)=+0.34V and E∘(FeX2+/Fe)=−0.44V, the standard cell potential of the displacement and the outcome are
AEcell∘=+0.78V; iron is deposited and copper dissolves
BEcell∘=+0.78V; copper is deposited and iron dissolves
CEcell∘=−0.78V; the reaction does not occur
DEcell∘=+0.10V; copper is deposited and iron dissolves
Answer: B
For Fe+CuX2+FeX2++Cu, Ecell∘=Ecathode∘−Eanode∘=0.34−(−0.44)=+0.78V. A positive value means the displacement is spontaneous, so copper deposits and iron goes into solution. Subtracting the wrong way gives −0.78V and the reverse outcome.