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Electrochemistry

Question
CBSEENCH12005990

The potential of a hydrogen electrode in a solution of unknown [H+] is 0.29 V at 298 k measured against a standard hydrogen electrode. Calculate the pH of the solution.

Solution
The both electrode are same thus there Ecell0 =0
Since the potential of the hydrogen electrode measured against standard hydrogen electrode is a positive value, the electrode is acting as the anode. If the unknown [H
+] be x, the Nernst equation takes the form
      Ecell = E°cell-0.05922logx212
  Since both electrodes are the same, E°cell = 0.
∴     0.29 V = 0-0.0592 V2× 2 log x
or         0.29V = -0.0592 V × log x
   Since -logx = -logH+ = pH
             0.029 V = 0.0592 V × pH
or               pH = 0.290.0592=4.9.