Enter the standard potential, temperature, number of electrons, and reaction quotient into the calculator to determine the reduction potential.
Reduction Potential Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the reduction potential:
E = E° - (RT/nF) * ln(Q)
Variables:
- E is the reduction potential (V)
- E° is the standard potential (V)
- R is the universal gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
- T is the temperature (K)
- n is the number of electrons transferred
- F is Faraday’s constant (96485 C/mol)
- Q is the reaction quotient
To calculate the reduction potential, input the standard potential, temperature in Kelvin, number of electrons involved in the reaction, and the reaction quotient into the formula above.
What is Reduction Potential?
Reduction potential, also known as redox potential or oxidation/reduction potential, is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced. It is a critical concept in electrochemistry and is used to predict the direction of redox reactions. A higher reduction potential indicates a greater tendency to gain electrons and be reduced.
How to Calculate Reduction Potential?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Reduction Potential.
- First, determine the standard potential (E°) in volts (V).
- Next, determine the temperature (T) in Kelvin (K).
- Next, determine the number of electrons transferred in the reaction (n).
- Next, determine the reaction quotient (Q).
- Finally, calculate the Reduction Potential (E) using the formula above.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Standard Potential (E°) = 0.76 V
Temperature (T) = 298 K
Number of Electrons (n) = 2
Reaction Quotient (Q) = 10
