How does concentration effect an electrochemical cell?

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Answer 1 · 2017-11-09T21:32:53

Let's consider a Zn-Cu cell:

#Zn(s) + Cu^(2+) rightleftharpoons Zn^(2+) + Cu(s)#

If I increase the concentration of #Cu^(2+)#, ceteris paribus, the electrical potential of the cell will increase, due to the #Q# value increasing.

I like to think of this equation, but Le Chatlier's principle may be useful as well:

#E = E^0 - (0.05916)/n*logQ#

If I decrease the concentration of cathode ions, the voltage will decrease.

Hence,

#E propto ([I_(anode)])/([I_(cathode)])#

If I'm wrong correct me!