Calculation of Standard Cell Potential
What is Standard Cell Potential?
Definition
Standard cell potential
The standard cell potential, denoted as $E^\circ_{\text{cell}}$, is the voltage produced by an electrochemical cell under standard conditions.
These conditions include:
- A temperature of 298 K (25°C),
- A pressure of 100 kPa for gases,
- A 1.0 M concentration for all aqueous solutions.
The cell potential depends on the difference in the ability of two half-cells to gain or lose electrons, as measured by their standard electrode potentials ($E^\circ$).
The Formula for Standard Cell Potential
The standard cell potential is calculated using the formula:
$$
E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{cathode}} - E^\circ_{\text{anode}}
$$
Here’s what each term means:
- $E^\circ_{\text{cathode}}$: The standard electrode potential of the reduction half-equation occurring at the cathode.
- $E^\circ_{\text{anode}}$: The standard electrode potential of the oxidation half-equation occurring at the anode.
