H2 Chemistry 12 - Electrochemistry: EMF Calculation from Standard Electrode Potentials

What you will learn

• For this standard galvanic cell, E°(Zn2+/Zn) = -0.76 V and E°(Cu2+/Cu) = +0.34 V are reduction potentials. Zn is oxidised at the anode; Cu2+ is reduced at the cathode.
• E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode = +0.34 -(-0.76) = +1.10 V. The forward reaction is thermodynamically favoured under standard conditions; this does not determine its rate.
• Overall: Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) -> Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s); electrons flow Zn to Cu through the external wire.