How do I calculate the cell potential?
1 Answer
Sep 26, 2017
Explanation:
For an in-depth explanation see Ernest Z's answer.
To calculate standard cell potential, you use the formula:
#E_(cell)^@=E_(red)^@+E_(o x)^@# ,where
#E_(cell)^@# is the cell potential,#E_(red)^@# is the reduction potential and#E_(o x)^@# is the oxidation potential. These are at#25^@ "C"# and#"1 atm"# .
To calculate cell potential in non-standard conditons, the equation is:
#E_(cell)= E_(cell)^@- (RT)/(nF)lnQ# ,
where
#E_(cell)# = cell potential at non-standard state conditions#E_(cell)^@# = standard state cell potential#R# = universal gas constant (#"8.314472 J/mol" cdot "K"# )#T# = absolute temperature (Kelvin scale)#F# = Faraday's constant (#"96485 C/mol e"^-# )#n# = number of moles of electrons transferred in the balanced equation for the reaction occurring in the cell- Q = reaction quotient for the reaction
#aA + bB -> cC + dD# ,so
#Q=([C]^c [D]^d)/([A]^a [B]^b)#
This is the Nernst equation.
I hope I helped!
