Nernst Reduction Calculator

Nernst Equation:

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

Standard Potential (E⁰):

Temperature:

Number of Electrons (n):

Oxidized Species Concentration [ox]:

Reduced Species Concentration [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 half-cell under non-standard conditions. It relates the measured electrode potential to the standard electrode potential, temperature, and activities (or concentrations) of the chemical species undergoing reduction and oxidation.

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's constant (96485 C/mol)
\( [ox] \) — Concentration of oxidized species (M)
\( [red] \) — Concentration of reduced species (M)

Explanation: The equation shows how the potential changes from standard conditions based on reactant/product concentrations and temperature.

3. Importance of Reduction Potential

Details: Reduction potential is crucial for understanding electrochemical reactions, predicting reaction spontaneity, designing batteries, and studying biological electron transport chains.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units. Standard temperature is 298K. Concentrations must be positive values. The number of electrons must be a positive integer.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between E and E⁰?
A: E⁰ is the standard reduction potential (at 298K, 1M concentrations, 1atm pressure). E is the potential under your specific conditions.

Q2: What if my concentrations are equal?
A: When [ox] = [red], the logarithmic term becomes zero, and E = E⁰.

Q3: Can I use partial pressures for gases?
A: Yes, for gaseous species, you can substitute concentrations with partial pressures (in atm).

Q4: What does a negative reduction potential mean?
A: A negative value indicates the species is more difficult to reduce than H⁺ under standard conditions.

Q5: How does temperature affect the potential?
A: Higher temperatures increase the effect of the concentration ratio on the potential.