Factors Affecting Electrode Potentials
Multiple parameters may appear in the determining of standard electrode potentials.
Temperature
- When it comes to chemical reactions, temperature plays a crucial role.
- As the temperature increases, the reaction rate tends to rise.
- For redox reactions (where electrons are transferred), this increase in temperature affects the equilibrium constants.
- Consequently, the electrode potentials can shift due to changes in reaction rates and equilibrium positions.
Concentration
- The concentration of reactants and products in a solution directly impacts the electrode potential.
- According to the Nernst equation, the electrode potential depends on the ratio of concentrations of species involved in the redox reaction.
- If the concentrations are unbalanced, the equilibrium position of the electrode potential will shift accordingly.
Pressure
- Pressure mainly affects gaseous species involved in oxidation and reduction.
- As the pressure changes, the partial pressures of gases also vary.
- This alteration in partial pressures influences the activity of these gases at the electrode interface.
- Consequently, the electrode potential can be affected by changes in gas pressure.
Standard Electrode Potential
Standard electrode potential (E°) is a measure of the tendency of a half-reaction to occur as a reduction at a standard condition. In the context of standard electrode potential, “standard conditions” refer to a set of specific conditions under which the potential is measured. It includes standard concentration of all aqueous species to be 1 mol/L, pressure to be 1 atm and temperature to be 25℃ or 298K.
In this article, we will learn in detail about standard electrode potential, its formula, construction, factors affecting and applications.
Table of Content
- What is Standard Electrode Potential?
- Standard Electrode Potential Formula
- Construction of Standard Electrode Potential
- Difference Between Electrode Potential and Standard Electrode Potential
- Factors Affecting Electrode Potentials
- Standard Electrode Potential Example