Chemistry - Electrochemistry Question with Solution | TestHub

The cell reaction is spontaneous if the cell potential, $E_{cell}$, is positive. $E_{cell}$ is calculated as $E_{cathode}-E_{anode}$. In this case, reduction of M${}^{+}$ to M occurs at the cathode ($E^0=0.44$ V) and oxidation of X${}^{-}$ to X occurs at the anode ($E^0=0.33$ V). Therefore, $E_{cell}=0.44-0.33=0.11$ V. Since $E_{cell}>0$, the reaction M${}^{+}$ + X${}^{-}$ → M + X is spontaneous.