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 reduction potential of a silver wire dipped in a $0.1 \ M \ AgNO_3$ solution at $25^\circ C$?

Calculate the $E_{cell}$ for $Zn_{(s)} | Zn^{2+}_{(0.1 \ M)} || Cr^{3+}_{(0.1 \ M)} | Cr_{(s)}$ at $25^{\circ} C$ if $E^{\circ}_{cell}$ is $0.02 \ V$. (in $V$)

At $298 \ K$,the standard reduction potentials are $1.51 \ V$ for $MnO_4^- \ | \ Mn^{2+}$,$1.36 \ V$ for $Cl_2 \ | \ Cl^{-}$,$1.07 \ V$ for $Br_2 \ | \ Br^{-}$ and $0.54 \ V$ for $I_2 \ | \ I^{-}$. At $pH = 3$,permanganate is expected to oxidize $\left( \frac{RT}{F} = 0.059 \ V \right)$

For the galvanic cell,
$Zn_{(s)} + Cu^{2+}(0.02 \ M) \rightarrow Zn^{2+}(0.04 \ M) + Cu_{(s)}$
$E_{cell} = ...... \times 10^{-2} \ V \text{ (Nearest integer) }$
$[\text{Use}: E_{Cu^{2+}/Cu}^{0} = 0.34 \ V, E_{Zn^{2+}/Zn}^{0} = -0.76 \ V]$
$[\frac{2.303 \ RT}{F} = 0.059 \ V]$

The correct representation of Nernst's equation for the reduction of a metal ion $M^{n+}$ to metal $M$ is:

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