For a general redox reaction: $aA + bB \xrightarrow{n e^-} cC + dD$. Derive the Nernst equation.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
Let $E_{\text{cell}}$ be the cell potential,$E_{\text{cell}}^{\circ}$ be the standard cell potential,and $[A], [B], [C], [D]$ be the molar concentrations of the species $A, B, C, D$ respectively.
The Gibbs free energy change for the reaction is given by $\Delta G = \Delta G^{\circ} + RT \ln Q$,where $Q$ is the reaction quotient.
Since $\Delta G = -nFE_{\text{cell}}$ and $\Delta G^{\circ} = -nFE_{\text{cell}}^{\circ}$,we substitute these into the equation:
$-nFE_{\text{cell}} = -nFE_{\text{cell}}^{\circ} + RT \ln Q$
Dividing by $-nF$,we get the Nernst equation:
$E_{\text{cell}} = E_{\text{cell}}^{\circ} - \frac{RT}{nF} \ln \frac{[C]^{c}[D]^{d}}{[A]^{a}[B]^{b}}$
At $298 \ K$,using $\ln x = 2.303 \log_{10} x$ and substituting constants $R = 8.314 \ J \ K^{-1} \ mol^{-1}$ and $F = 96487 \ C \ mol^{-1}$,the equation becomes:
$E_{\text{cell}} = E_{\text{cell}}^{\circ} - \frac{0.0591}{n} \log_{10} \frac{[C]^{c}[D]^{d}}{[A]^{a}[B]^{b}}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

What is the potential of a half-cell consisting of a zinc electrode in $0.01 \ M$ $ZnSO_4$ solution at $25 \ ^\circ C$ (Given $E^o_{Zn^{2+}/Zn} = -0.763 \ V$) (in $V$)?

The $EMF$ of the cell $Cr|Cr^{3+}(0.1 \ M) \| Fe^{2+}(0.01 \ M)|Fe$ is: $(E^{\circ}_{Cr^{3+}|Cr} = -0.75 \ V, E^{\circ}_{Fe^{2+}|Fe} = -0.45 \ V)$ (in $V$)

Which of the following conditions will increase the voltage of the cell,represented by the equation $Cu_{(s)} + 2Ag^{+}_{(aq)} \to Cu^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2Ag_{(s)}$?

The half-cell reaction involving the quinhydrone electrode is shown below:
$HO-C_6H_4-OH_{(aq)} \rightleftharpoons O=C_6H_4=O_{(aq)} + 2H^+ + 2e^-$
If $E_{op}^o$ for this electrode is $1.30 \ V$,then what will be the oxidation electrode potential at $pH = 3$? ............ $V$

Difficult
View Solution

The $emf$ of the following cell $Mg|Mg^{2+}(0.01 \ M)||Sn^{2+}(0.1 \ M)|Sn$ at $298 \ K$ in $V$ is: (Given: $E^{\circ}_{Mg^{2+}|Mg} = -2.34 \ V, E^{\circ}_{Sn^{2+}|Sn} = -0.14 \ V$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo