Reduction Potential Calculator

Formula

To calculate the Reduction Potential (E):

\[ E = E^\circ - \left( \frac{RT}{nF} \right) \ln(Q) \]

Where:

\( E \) is the reduction potential (V)
\( E^\circ \) 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

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.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Standard Potential \( E^\circ \) = 1.5 V
Temperature \( T \) = 298 K
Number of Electrons Transferred \( n \) = 2
Reaction Quotient \( Q \) = 0.1

Step 1: Use the reduction potential calculation formula:

\[ E = 1.5 - \left( \frac{8.314 \times 298}{2 \times 96485} \right) \ln(0.1) \]

Step 2: Simplify the expression inside the parentheses:

\[ E = 1.5 - \left( \frac{2475.572}{192970} \right) \ln(0.1) \]

Step 3: Calculate the natural logarithm of 0.1:

\[ \ln(0.1) = -2.302585 \]

Step 4: Multiply and subtract:

\[ E = 1.5 - (0.01283 \times -2.302585) \approx 1.5 + 0.02956 = 1.53 \text{ V} \]

The Reduction Potential is approximately 1.53 V.