A galvanic cell is constructed using two half-cells based on the two half-reactions represented below.
$$ \ce{Zn^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- -> Zn(s)} \hskip{2em} E^\circ = \pu{-0.76 V}$$
$$ \ce{Fe^{3+}(aq) + e^- -> Fe^{2+}(aq)} \hskip{2em} E^\circ = \pu{0.77 V}$$
What is the standard cell potential for the galvanic cell?
To obtain the standard cell potential, we add the cell potential of each half-cell reaction.
The reduction of \(\ce{Fe^{3+}}\) is more likely since the cell potential is greater. Therefore, zinc will be oxidized. We can reverse the equation and change the sign of the cell potential.
Reduction (Cathode):
$$ \ce{Fe^{3+}(aq) + e^- -> Fe^{2+}(aq)} \hskip{2em} E^\circ = \pu{0.77 V}$$
Oxidation (Anode):
$$ \ce{Zn^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- -> Zn(s)} \hskip{2em} E^\circ = \pu{-0.76 V}$$
$$ \ce{Zn(s) -> Zn^{2+}(aq) + 2e^-} \hskip{2em} E^\circ = \pu{0.76 V}$$
Adding the half-cell potentials:
$$ 0.77 + 0.76 = \boxed{1.53} $$