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The Nernst equation is used to calculate the voltage of an electrochemical cell or to find the
concentration of one of the components of the cell. Here is a look at the Nernst equation and
an example of how to apply it to solve a problem.
The Nernst equation relates the equilibrium cell potential (also called the Nernst potential) to
its concentration gradient across a membrane. An electric potential will form is there is a
concentration gradient for the ion across the membrane and if selective ions channels exist so
that the ion can cross the membrane.
The relation is affected by temperature and whether the membrane is more permeable to one
ion over others.
A zinc electrode is submerged in an acidic 0.80 M Zn2+ solution which is connected by a salt
bridge to a 1.30 M Ag+ solution containing a silver electrode.
Unless you've done some serious memorizing, you'll need to consult the standard reduction
potential table, which will give you the following information:
Q = [Zn2+]/[Ag+]2
The reaction proceeds spontaneously so E0 is positive. The only way for that to occur is if Zn
is oxidized (+0.76 V) and silver is reduced (+0.80 V). Once you realize that, you can write
the balanced chemical equation for the cell reaction and can calculate E0:
Q = (0.80)/(1.30)2
Q = (0.80)/(1.69) Q = 0.47
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Nernst Equation
The Nernst Equation empowers the assurance of cell potential under non-standard
conditions and relates the measured cell potential to the reaction quotient and permits
the exact measurement of equilibrium constants.
Let us consider an electrochemical reaction of the following type:
aA +bB --> cC + dD
Problem:
Calculate the emf of the cell in which the following reaction takes place: Ni(s) + 2Ag+ (0.002
M) → Ni2+ (0.160 M) + 2Ag(s). Given that Eøcell = 1.05 V.
Solution:
= 0.914 V