Question

which of these reactions (a) or (b) is spontaneous? Explain why. write the half cell equations for the spontaneous reaction. Identify which element is oxidized and which is reduced.
(a) Fe^0+Mg^+2 --> Mg^0 + Fe^+2
(b) Fe^+2 + Mg^0 --> Fe^0 + Mg^+2

Answer 1

Look up the reduction potentials and add the oxidation half cell to the reductin half cell to obtain the Eocell. If it is + the rxn is spontaneous; if Eocell is - it is not spontaneous.