How Do We Choose the Anode and Cathode for a Galvanic Cell?
This post will introduce you to standard reduction potentials which are found on the periodic table, as part of predicting reactions of metals and spontaneity using standard reduction potentials in Prelim Chemistry.
Topic: Predicting Reactions of Metals
- Predict the reaction of metals in solutions using the table of standard reduction potentials
- Predict the spontaneity of redox reactions using the value of cell potentials
Standard Reduction Potentials
The standard reduction potential for a metal describes the reduction capability of metal under standard conditions. This video will combine activity series and redox reactions.
Half equations can be oxidation half equations in the form (A -> A + e-) or reduction (A + e- -> A-). The standard reduction potentials are all reduction half equations. This video will explain standard reduction potentials in a little more depth.
Galvanic Cells and Standard Reduction Potentials
Oxidation occurs at the anode, and reduction occurs at the cathode. So, for a galvanic cell, the metal with the higher reduction potential will be reduced (the cathode), and the other will be oxidised (the anode). This video shows you how to find cell potential for galvanic cells.
