Electron Reduction Calculator

Nernst Equation:

\[ E = E^0 + \frac{RT}{nF} \ln \left( \frac{[ox]}{[red]} \right) \]

Standard Potential (E⁰):

Temperature (T):

Number of Electrons (n):

Oxidized Species [ox]:

Reduced Species [red]:

Reduction Potential (E):

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1. What is the Nernst Equation?

The Nernst equation calculates the reduction potential of an electrochemical cell or the potential difference between two half-cells under non-standard conditions. It relates the measured electrode potential to the standard electrode potential, temperature, and activities of the chemical species involved.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Nernst equation:

\[ E = E^0 + \frac{RT}{nF} \ln \left( \frac{[ox]}{[red]} \right) \]

Where:

\( E \) — Reduction potential (V)
\( E^0 \) — Standard reduction potential (V)
\( R \) — Gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
\( T \) — Temperature (K)
\( n \) — Number of electrons transferred
\( F \) — Faraday constant (96485 C/mol)
\( [ox] \) — Concentration of oxidized species (M)
\( [red] \) — Concentration of reduced species (M)

Explanation: The equation shows how the potential changes with concentration and temperature from standard conditions.

3. Importance of Reduction Potential

Details: Reduction potential is crucial in electrochemistry for predicting the direction of redox reactions, designing batteries, corrosion studies, and understanding biological electron transport chains.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter standard potential in volts, temperature in Kelvin, number of electrons transferred, and concentrations of both oxidized and reduced species. All values must be positive, and [red] cannot be zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are standard conditions for E⁰?
A: Standard conditions are 298K (25°C), 1 atm pressure, and 1M concentration for all species.

Q2: How does temperature affect reduction potential?
A: Higher temperatures increase the RT/nF term, making the potential more sensitive to concentration changes.

Q3: What if my concentrations are equal?
A: When [ox]=[red], the log term becomes zero, and E = E⁰.

Q4: Can I use partial pressures for gases?
A: Yes, for gaseous species, use partial pressures in atm instead of concentrations.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It assumes ideal behavior. For precise work, use activities rather than concentrations.