Calculation of Electromotive Force in Redox Processes

Algirdas Sulcius^1,

¹Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania

Cite this paper:
Algirdas Sulcius. Calculation of Electromotive Force in Redox Processes. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2014; 2(2):21-25. doi: 10.12691/wjce-2-2-1

Abstract

Chemistry programs at universities include oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. Based on particular examples the article shows the possibility of application of electromotive force (EMF) calculation to evaluate the possibility for redox reactions to take place and to justify the experimental data. The standard potentials are used for the calculation of EMF of redox processes according to the formula , However, the standard conditions differ from the conditions under which the real experiment is carried out. Therefore, instead of the standard potentials the author of the paper suggests to use stationary metal potentials which have proved them in practice. The formula for calculation of EMF is replaced by the modified formulas: when metals are dissolving in acids and bases ;in case of galvanic cells and corrosion . These modified formulas enable more real and precise calculation of EMF of redox processes, what is proved by the provided examples.

Keywords:
redox processes standard potential stationary potential electromotive force

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