Related Formula
Ecell = E°cell - (0.0591)/(n) Q$$E_{\text{cell}} = E^{\circ}_{\text{cell}} - \frac{0.0591}{n} \log Q$$
For a concentration cell, E°cell = 0$E^{\circ}_{\text{cell}} = 0$, so:
Ecell = - (0.0591)/(n) ( [Anode][Cathode] )$$E_{\text{cell}} = - \frac{0.0591}{n} \log \left( \frac{[\text{Anode}]}{[\text{Cathode}]} \right)$$
Core Logic
For a concentration cell to have a positive cell potential (Ecell > 0$E_{\text{cell}} > 0$), the ratio [Anode][Cathode]$\frac{[\text{Anode}]}{[\text{Cathode}]}$ must be less than 1$1$. This implies that [Anode] < [Cathode]$[\text{Anode}] < [\text{Cathode}]$.
Let's evaluate the given conditions:
Case 1: If c₁$c_1$ is at the anode.
Then c₂$c_2$ is at the cathode.
Cell reaction: M(s) + M⁺(c₂) arrow M(s) + M⁺(c₁)$M(s) + M^{+}(c_2) \rightarrow M(s) + M^{+}(c_1)$
Ecell = -0.059 (c₁)/(c₂)$$E_{\text{cell}} = -0.059 \log \frac{c_1}{c_2}$$
For Ecell > 0$E_{\text{cell}} > 0$, we need c₁ < c₂$c_1 < c_2$.
Option 1 says c₁ = c₂$c_1 = c_2$ (Incorrect).
Option 4 says c₁ > c₂$c_1 > c_2$ (Incorrect).
Step 1: Check Cathode Conditions
Case 2: If c₁$c_1$ is at the cathode.
Then c₂$c_2$ is at the anode.
Cell reaction: M(s) + M⁺(c₁) arrow M(s) + M⁺(c₂)$M(s) + M^{+}(c_1) \rightarrow M(s) + M^{+}(c_2)$
Ecell = -0.059 (c₂)/(c₁)$$E_{\text{cell}} = -0.059 \log \frac{c_2}{c_1}$$
For Ecell > 0$E_{\text{cell}} > 0$, we need (c₂)/(c₁) < 1 c₂ < c₁ c₁ > c₂$\frac{c_2}{c_1} < 1 \implies c_2 < c_1 \implies c_1 > c_2$.
Option 2 says c₁ < c₂$c_1 < c_2$ (Incorrect).
Option 3 says c₁ > c₂$c_1 > c_2$ (Correct).
Pattern Recognition
In any spontaneous concentration cell, ions flow from the higher concentration compartment to the lower concentration compartment. Thus, for a positive voltage, the cathode must always have the higher concentration.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Electrochemistry