What is the relationship between the value of E⦵cell and the feasibility of the reaction?

The more positive the value of E⦵cell, the more feasible the redox reaction is.

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How does the E⦵ value correlate with the tendency of the redox system to proceed in the forward (reduction) direction?

A more positive (or less negative) E⦵ value indicates a stronger tendency for the redox system to proceed in the forward (reduction) direction.

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Explain the limitations of using standard electrode potentials to predict the feasibility of reactions.

The limitations of using standard electrode potentials to predict feasibility are:

  1. Standard electrode potentials give no indication about the rate of reaction - a feasible reaction may appear not to take place because the rate of reaction is very slow.
  2. Standard electrode potentials are only accurate under standard conditions - many reactions occur in more dilute or more concentrated solutions than 1 mol dm-3 and at temperatures above 298 K.
  3. Standard electrode potentials apply only to aqueous equilibria - many reactions take place that are not aqueous. 

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What does the sign of the E⦵cell value indicate about the feasibility of a redox reaction under standard conditions?

  • Positive E⦵cell - the redox reaction is feabile.
  • Negative E⦵cell - the redox reaction is not feasible.

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What is the conventional direction for writing the equilibrium of a half-cell?

The equilibrium of a half-cell is written so that the forward reaction represents reduction, while the backward reaction represents oxidation.


For example, the conventional direction of the Zn/Zn2+ half-cell is shown below.

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What is the equation that links the standard cell potential (E⦵cell) to the standard reduction potentials of the reduced and oxidised species?

Ecell⊖​=Ereduced⊖​−Eoxidised⊖​

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How does the standard reduction potential (E⦵) of an electrode relate to its likelihood of being oxidised in an electrochemical cell?

The more negative (or less positive) the E⦵ value of an electrode, the more likely it is to be oxidised and become the anode (negative electrode) in an electrochemical cell.

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What is the electrochemical series?

The electrochemical series is a list of reduction half-equations ordered by their standard electrode potentials (E⦵ values).

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