How to Calculate Cell Potential
What is Cell Potential?
Cell potential (E°cell) measures the voltage of an electrochemical cell — the driving force for electron transfer. E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode. A positive cell potential indicates a spontaneous reaction.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Identify the half-reactions (oxidation at anode, reduction at cathode)
- 2Find standard reduction potentials from table
- 3E°cell = E°cathode (reduction) − E°anode (reduction)
- 4ΔG° = −nFE° (n = electrons, F = 96,485 C/mol)
Worked Examples
Input
Zn | Zn²⁺ || Cu²⁺ | Cu cell · E°(Cu)=+0.34V · E°(Zn)=−0.76V
Result
E°cell = 0.34−(−0.76) = 1.10V
Classic Daniell cell
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