What is the standard cell potential for a galvanic cell constructed from standard zinc and copper half-cells, given that the standard reduction potentials for zinc and copper half-cells are minus 0.76 volts and plus 0.34 volts respectively?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The standard cell potential is calculated as the difference between the standard reduction potential of the cathode and the standard reduction potential of the anode. Substituting the values gives 0.34 minus negative 0.76, resulting in a positive cell potential of 1.10 volts, indicating that the electrochemical reaction is spontaneous under standard state conditions. This specific arrangement is famously known as the Daniell cell.