Standard Reduction

Potential
Chapter 8.3
Reduction potential
a measure of the tendency
of a chemical species to be
reduced or to gain electrons
oxidation potential
oxidation potential is the
tendency of a chemical
species to be oxidized or to
give up electrons
 STANDARD CONDITIONS
solids and liquids are present
in their standard states
solution concentration is IM
temperature is 25°C or 298°K
pressure is I atm or 1 bar
A cell potential measured under these conditions is called STANDARD POTENTIAL
 STANDARD REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
the reduction potential measured at
standard conditions

denoted E°red unit is volt, V

For the same chemical
species, the standard
reduction potential has the
same magnitude as the
standard oxidation potential,
but is opposite in sign
 EXAMPLE
the standard reduction potential at 25°C, listed
in the table is:
 EXAMPLE
To obtain the standard oxidation potential,
consider the reverse reaction and change the sign
 EXAMPLE
Therefore:

E° oxidation = -E° reduction

 CELL POTENTIAL
the difference between two electrode potentials. The
potential difference between the two electrodes of a
galvanic cell provides the driving force that pushes the
electrons through the external circuit.

FORMULA
E cell = E° (right) E° (left)
Standard Hydrogen
Electrode
Chapter 8.3
STANDARD HYDROGEN ELECTRODE

The standard electrode usually

adopted as a reference point is
the hydrogen electrode. This
electrode consists of a platinum
metal surrounded by hydrogen
gas in equilibrium with a solution
of H+1 ions.
An important point that can be gathered from
the table of standard reduction potential is that
all reactions are written as reduction. The more
positive the standard reduction potential is, the
greater the possibility that it will be reduced and
the stronger its oxidizing property. The more
negative the value of the reduction potential,
the less likely the half-reaction will occur as a
reduction and the greater the tendency to act as
a reducing agent.
THANK YOU!
Any questions? Don't hesitate to
ask for our help