Enter the standard electrode potential, temperature, number of electrons, and reaction quotient into the calculator to determine the cell potential.

Nernst Equation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the cell potential using the Nernst equation.

E = E° - (RT/nF) * ln(Q)

Variables:

  • E: Cell potential (V)
  • E°: Standard electrode potential (V)
  • R: Gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
  • T: Temperature (K)
  • n: Number of electrons transferred
  • F: Faraday constant (96485 C/mol)
  • Q: Reaction quotient

To calculate the cell potential, use the formula: E = E° – (RT/nF) * ln(Q).

What is the Nernst Equation?

The Nernst equation relates the cell potential of an electrochemical cell to the standard electrode potential, temperature, number of electrons, and the reaction quotient. It is essential for understanding the electrochemical behavior of cells under non-standard conditions.

How to Calculate Cell Potential?

The following steps outline how to calculate the cell potential using the Nernst equation:

  1. Determine the standard electrode potential (E°).
  2. Measure the temperature (T) in Kelvin.
  3. Identify the number of electrons (n) involved in the reaction.
  4. Calculate the reaction quotient (Q).
  5. Use the formula: E = E° – (RT/nF) * ln(Q).
  6. Insert the values into the formula and solve for the cell potential (E).

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Standard Electrode Potential (E°) = 1.00 V

Temperature (T) = 298 K

Number of Electrons (n) = 2

Reaction Quotient (Q) = 10

By inserting these values into the Nernst equation, you can calculate the cell potential.

FAQ

1. What is the standard electrode potential?

The standard electrode potential (E°) is the measure of the individual potential of a reversible electrode at standard state, which is with solutes at an effective concentration of 1 mol/L, and gases at a pressure of 1 atm.

2. How does temperature affect the cell potential?

Temperature affects the cell potential as it is directly proportional to the thermal energy available for the reaction. This relationship is incorporated into the Nernst equation through the temperature variable (T).

3. What is the reaction quotient?

The reaction quotient (Q) is a measure of the relative amounts of products and reactants present during a reaction at a given point in time.

4. Why is the Nernst equation important?

The Nernst equation is important because it allows for the calculation of cell potentials under non-standard conditions, providing insights into the feasibility and direction of electrochemical reactions.

5. Can this calculator be used for different temperatures?

Yes, you can adjust the temperature field to match the conditions of your specific reaction to calculate the cell potential accordingly.