Standard Cell Potential Calculator (E° Cell)
Calculate the standard cell potential (E°cell) of a voltaic or galvanic cell based on standard reduction potentials of half-reactions. Chemistry calculator for electrochemistry students. Includes Nernst equation support for non-standard conditions and temperature corrections.
Cell Potential Formula
E°cell = E°cathode - E°anodeVariables:
- E°cellStandard cell potential (Volt)Standard cell potential (Volt)
- E°cathodeCathode reduction potential (Reduction)Cathode reduction potential (Reduction)
- E°anodeAnode reduction potential (Oxidation)Anode reduction potential (Oxidation)
How to Use the Voltaic Cell Calculator
- 1
Identify Reactions
Determine which half-reaction is reduction (cathode) and which is oxidation (anode).
- 2
Look Up E° Values
Find standard reduction potentials for each half-reaction from a reference table.
- 3
Calculate
The calculator subtracts E° anode from E° cathode.
Examples
Zn-Cu Cell (Daniell Cell)
Problem:
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (E°=+0.34 V), Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Zn (E°=−0.76 V).
Solution:
- 1.Cu has higher E° → cathode
- 2.Zn → anode
- 3.E°cell = 0.34 − (−0.76)
Result:1.10 V
The reaction is spontaneous (positive E°cell).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a reaction spontaneous?
If E°cell is positive, the redox reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions.
Do reaction coefficients affect E°?
No. E° is an intensive property and does not depend on the number of moles.