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AP Chemistry 9.10: Nonstandard Cell Potential

Practice AP Chemistry questions on predicting how concentration and reaction quotient changes affect cell potential as an electrochemical system approaches equilibrium.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Chemistry

Exam points

  • Predict how reactant or product concentration changes affect cell potential and the reaction quotient Q.
  • Explain why cell-potential magnitude decreases as an electrochemical reaction approaches equilibrium.
  • Use qualitative Nernst reasoning to compare cell potentials under changed concentrations, pressure, or elevation.

9.10.A—Explain the relationship between deviations from standard cell conditions and changes in the cell potential.… question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Metal-air cells are a relatively new type of portable energy source consisting of a metal anode, an alkaline electrolyte paste that contains water, and a porous cathode membrane that lets in oxygen from the air. A schematic of the cell is shown above. Reduction potentials for the cathode and three possible metal anodes are given in the table below.

Table for Question 9.10.A—Explain the relationship between deviations from standard cell conditions and changes in the cell potential.… question 1 — AP Chemistry

Question (a)

(a)

The zinc-air cell is taken to the top of a mountain where the air pressure is lower.

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Will the cell potential be higher, lower, or the same as the cell potential at the lower elevation?

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Justify your answer to part (c)(i) based on the equation for the overall cell reaction and the information above.

[ 1 ]
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