Measurement of Electrode Potential
Electrode potential is a fundamental concept in electrochemistry, which quantifies the ability of an electrochemical cell to produce electrical energy from spontaneous chemical reactions. Electrochemical cells are classified into galvanic (voltaic) cells, which generate electrical energy from spontaneous reactions, and electrolytic cells, which use electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions. The standard electrode potential is defined as the voltage measured under standard conditions, providing a reference point for calculating cell potentials. The Nernst equation further allows us to calculate the cell potential based on non-standard conditions, linking electrode potentials to concentrations of reactants and products. Importantly, these measurements relate to the Gibbs free energy of the system, allowing us to predict the spontaneity of reactions and compute equilibrium constants. Understanding these potentials aids in diverse applications such as battery technology, corrosion prevention, and electrolysis processes.