1. Unit 8: Electrochemistry Applications
Lesson 3:
Selecting Preferred Reactions

2. Selecting Preferred Reactions
When several different half-reactions are possible, the half-reaction with the highest reduction potential will occur as reduction, and the half-reaction with the lowest reduction potential will occur as oxidation.

3. Example
An iron strip is placed in a mixture of Br2(aq) and I2(aq). What is the preferred reaction that occurs?
Step 1: List all species present.
Step 2: Look for the highest species on the left side, and the lowest on the right.
Step 3: Add together the half-reactions!

4. Brain Break!
Double Shutter

5. Your Turn!
A beaker contains an iron nail wrapped with both a piece of copper wire and a piece of magnesium ribbon, immersed in an aqueous solution containing CuSO4 and some dissolved Cl2(g). What is the overall preferred reaction?
10 min

6. Practice:
Pg. 228 #47
25 min