Standard Electrode Potential - Standard Reduction Potential Table

Standard Reduction Potential Table

Since the values are given in their ability to be reduced, the bigger the standard reduction potentials, the easier they are to be reduced, in other words, they are simply better oxidizing agents. For example, F2 has 2.87 V and Li+ has −3.05 V. F2 reduces easily and is therefore a good oxidizing agent. In contrast, Li(s) would rather undergo oxidation (hence a good reducing agent). Thus Zn2+ whose standard reduction potential is −0.76 V can be oxidized by any other electrode whose standard reduction potential is greater than −0.76 V (e.g. H+(0 V), Cu2+(0.16 V), F2(2.87 V)) and can be reduced by any electrode with standard reduction potential less than −0.76 V (e.g. H2(−2.23 V), Na+(−2.71 V), Li+(−3.05 V)).

In a galvanic cell, where a spontaneous redox reaction drives the cell to produce an electric potential, Gibbs free energy ΔG° must be negative, in accordance with the following equation:

ΔG°cell = −nFE°cell

where n is number of moles of electrons per mole of products and F is the Faraday constant, ~96485 C/mol. As such, the following rules apply:

If E°cell > 0, then the process is spontaneous (galvanic cell)
If E°cell < 0, then the process is nonspontaneous (electrolytic cell)

Thus in order to have a spontaneous reaction (ΔG° < 0), E°cell must be positive, where:

E°cell = E°cathodeE°anode

where E°anode is the standard potential at the anode and E°cathode is the standard potential at the cathode as given in the table of standard electrode potential.

Read more about this topic:  Standard Electrode Potential

Famous quotes containing the words standard, reduction, potential and/or table:

    A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.
    Edmund Burke (1729–1797)

    The reduction of nuclear arsenals and the removal of the threat of worldwide nuclear destruction is a measure, in my judgment, of the power and strength of a great nation.
    Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)

    Children are potentially free and their life directly embodies nothing save potential freedom. Consequently they are not things and cannot be the property either of their parents or others.
    Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831)

    A man who can dominate a London dinner table can dominate the world. The future belongs to the dandy. It is the exquisites who are going to rule.
    Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)