# 20.6: Cell Potential Under Nonstandard Conditions

Learning Objectives

• Relate cell potentials to Gibbs energy changes
• Use the Nernst equation to determine cell potentials at nonstandard conditions
• Perform calculations that involve converting between cell potentials, free energy changes, and equilibrium constants

The Nernst Equation enables the determination of cell potential under non-standard conditions. It relates the measured cell potential to the reaction quotient and allows the accurate determination of equilibrium constants (including solubility constants).

## The Effect of Concentration on Cell Potential: The Nernst Equation

Recall that the actual free-energy change for a reaction under nonstandard conditions, $$\Delta{G}$$, is given as follows:

$\Delta{G} = \Delta{G°} + RT \ln Q \label{Eq1}$

We also know that $$ΔG = −nFE_{cell}$$ (under non-standard confitions) and $$ΔG^o = −nFE^o_{cell}$$ (under standard conditions). Substituting these expressions into Equation $$\ref{Eq1}$$, we obtain

$−nFE_{cell} = −nFE^o_{cell} + RT \ln Q \label{Eq2}$

Dividing both sides of this equation by $$−nF$$,

$E_\textrm{cell}=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{RT}{nF}\right)\ln Q \label{Eq3}$

Equation $$\ref{Eq3}$$ is called the Nernst equation, after the German physicist and chemist Walter Nernst (1864–1941), who first derived it. The Nernst equation is arguably the most important relationship in electrochemistry. When a redox reaction is at equilibrium ($$ΔG = 0$$), then Equation $$\ref{Eq3}$$ reduces to Equation $$\ref{Eq31}$$ and $$\ref{Eq32}$$ because $$Q = K$$, and there is no net transfer of electrons (i.e., Ecell = 0).

$E_\textrm{cell}=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{RT}{nF}\right)\ln K = 0 \label{Eq31}$

since

$E^\circ_\textrm{cell}= \left(\dfrac{RT}{nF}\right)\ln K \label{Eq32}$

Substituting the values of the constants into Equation $$\ref{Eq3}$$ with $$T = 298\, K$$ and converting to base-10 logarithms give the relationship of the actual cell potential (Ecell), the standard cell potential (E°cell), and the reactant and product concentrations at room temperature (contained in $$Q$$):

$E_{\textrm{cell}}=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q \label{Eq4}$

The Power of the Nernst Equation

The Nernst Equation ($$\ref{Eq3}$$) can be used to determine the value of Ecell, and thus the direction of spontaneous reaction, for any redox reaction under any conditions.

Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$ allows us to calculate the potential associated with any electrochemical cell at 298 K for any combination of reactant and product concentrations under any conditions. We can therefore determine the spontaneous direction of any redox reaction under any conditions, as long as we have tabulated values for the relevant standard electrode potentials. Notice in Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$ that the cell potential changes by 0.0591/n V for each 10-fold change in the value of $$Q$$ because log 10 = 1.

Example $$\PageIndex{1}$$

The following reaction proceeds spontaneously under standard conditions because E°cell > 0 (which means that ΔG° < 0):

$\ce{2Ce^{4+}(aq) + 2Cl^{–}(aq) -> 2Ce^{3+}(aq) + Cl2(g)}\;\; E^°_{cell} = 0.25\, V \nonumber$

Calculate $$E_{cell}$$ for this reaction under the following nonstandard conditions and determine whether it will occur spontaneously: [Ce4+] = 0.013 M, [Ce3+] = 0.60 M, [Cl] = 0.0030 M, $$P_\mathrm{Cl_2}$$ = 1.0 atm, and T = 25°C.

Given: balanced redox reaction, standard cell potential, and nonstandard conditions

Strategy:

Determine the number of electrons transferred during the redox process. Then use the Nernst equation to find the cell potential under the nonstandard conditions.

Solution

We can use the information given and the Nernst equation to calculate Ecell. Moreover, because the temperature is 25°C (298 K), we can use Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$ instead of Equation $$\ref{Eq3}$$. The overall reaction involves the net transfer of two electrons:

$2Ce^{4+}_{(aq)} + 2e^− \rightarrow 2Ce^{3+}_{(aq)}\nonumber$

$2Cl^−_{(aq)} \rightarrow Cl_{2(g)} + 2e^−\nonumber$

so n = 2. Substituting the concentrations given in the problem, the partial pressure of Cl2, and the value of E°cell into Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$,

\begin{align*}E_\textrm{cell} & =E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q \\ & =\textrm{0.25 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{2}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{[\mathrm{Ce^{3+}}]^2P_\mathrm{Cl_2}}{[\mathrm{Ce^{4+}}]^2[\mathrm{Cl^-}]^2}\right) \\ & =\textrm{0.25 V}-[(\textrm{0.0296 V})(8.37)]=\textrm{0.00 V}\end{align*}

Thus the reaction will not occur spontaneously under these conditions (because E = 0 V and ΔG = 0). The composition specified is that of an equilibrium mixture

Exercise $$\PageIndex{1}$$

Molecular oxygen will not oxidize $$MnO_2$$ to permanganate via the reaction

$\ce{4MnO2(s) + 3O2(g) + 4OH^{−} (aq) -> 4MnO^{−}4(aq) + 2H2O(l)} \;\;\; E°_{cell} = −0.20\; V\nonumber$

Calculate $$E_{cell}$$ for the reaction under the following nonstandard conditions and decide whether the reaction will occur spontaneously: pH 10, $$P_\mathrm{O_2}$$= 0.20 atm, [MNO4] = 1.0 × 10−4 M, and T = 25°C.

Ecell = −0.22 V; the reaction will not occur spontaneously.

Applying the Nernst equation to a simple electrochemical cell such as the Zn/Cu cell allows us to see how the cell voltage varies as the reaction progresses and the concentrations of the dissolved ions change. Recall that the overall reaction for this cell is as follows:

$Zn(s) + Cu^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow Zn^{2+}(aq) + Cu(s)\;\;\;E°cell = 1.10 V \label{Eq5}$

The reaction quotient is therefore $$Q = [Zn^{2+}]/[Cu^{2+}]$$. Suppose that the cell initially contains 1.0 M Cu2+ and 1.0 × 10−6 M Zn2+. The initial voltage measured when the cell is connected can then be calculated from Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$:

\begin{align}E_\textrm{cell} & =E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log\dfrac{[\mathrm{Zn^{2+}}]}{[\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}]}\\ & =\textrm{1.10 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{2}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{1.0\times10^{-6}}{1.0}\right)=\textrm{1.28 V}\end{align} \label{Eq6}

Thus the initial voltage is greater than E° because $$Q<1$$. As the reaction proceeds, [Zn2+] in the anode compartment increases as the zinc electrode dissolves, while [Cu2+] in the cathode compartment decreases as metallic copper is deposited on the electrode. During this process, the ratio Q = [Zn2+]/[Cu2+] steadily increases, and the cell voltage therefore steadily decreases. Eventually, [Zn2+] = [Cu2+], so Q = 1 and Ecell = E°cell. Beyond this point, [Zn2+] will continue to increase in the anode compartment, and [Cu2+] will continue to decrease in the cathode compartment. Thus the value of Q will increase further, leading to a further decrease in Ecell. When the concentrations in the two compartments are the opposite of the initial concentrations (i.e., 1.0 M Zn2+ and 1.0 × 10−6 M Cu2+), Q = 1.0 × 106, and the cell potential will be reduced to 0.92 V.

The variation of Ecell with $$\log{Q}$$ over this range is linear with a slope of −0.0591/n, as illustrated in Figure $$\PageIndex{1}$$. As the reaction proceeds still further, $$Q$$ continues to increase, and Ecell continues to decrease. If neither of the electrodes dissolves completely, thereby breaking the electrical circuit, the cell voltage will eventually reach zero. This is the situation that occurs when a battery is “dead.” The value of $$Q$$ when Ecell = 0 is calculated as follows:

\begin{align}E_\textrm{cell} &=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q=0 \\ E^\circ &=\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q \\ \log Q &=\dfrac{E^\circ n}{\textrm{0.0591 V}}=\dfrac{(\textrm{1.10 V})(2)}{\textrm{0.0591 V}}=37.23 \\ Q &=10^{37.23}=1.7\times10^{37}\end{align} \label{Eq7}

Recall that at equilibrium, $$Q = K$$. Thus the equilibrium constant for the reaction of Zn metal with Cu2+ to give Cu metal and Zn2+ is 1.7 × 1037 at 25°C.

## Concentration Cells

A voltage can also be generated by constructing an electrochemical cell in which each compartment contains the same redox active solution but at different concentrations. The voltage is produced as the concentrations equilibrate. Suppose, for example, we have a cell with 0.010 M AgNO3 in one compartment and 1.0 M AgNO3 in the other. The cell diagram and corresponding half-reactions are as follows:

$\ce{Ag(s)\,|\,Ag^{+}}(aq, 0.010 \;M)\,||\,\ce{Ag^{+}}(aq, 1.0 \;M)\,|\,\ce{Ag(s)} \label{Eq8}$

cathode:

$\ce{Ag^{+}} (aq, 1.0\; M) + \ce{e^{−}} \rightarrow \ce{Ag(s)} \label{Eq9}$

anode:

$\ce{Ag(s)} \rightarrow \ce{Ag^{+}}(aq, 0.010\; M) + \ce{e^{−}} \label{Eq10}$

Overall

$\ce{Ag^{+}}(aq, 1.0 \;M) \rightarrow \ce{Ag^{+}}(aq, 0.010\; M) \label{Eq11}$

As the reaction progresses, the concentration of $$Ag^+$$ will increase in the left (oxidation) compartment as the silver electrode dissolves, while the $$Ag^+$$ concentration in the right (reduction) compartment decreases as the electrode in that compartment gains mass. The total mass of $$Ag(s)$$ in the cell will remain constant, however. We can calculate the potential of the cell using the Nernst equation, inserting 0 for E°cell because E°cathode = −E°anode:

\begin{align*} E_\textrm{cell}&=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q \\[4pt] &=0-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{1}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{0.010}{1.0}\right) \\[4pt] &=\textrm{0.12 V} \end{align*}

An electrochemical cell of this type, in which the anode and cathode compartments are identical except for the concentration of a reactant, is called a concentration cell. As the reaction proceeds, the difference between the concentrations of Ag+ in the two compartments will decrease, as will Ecell. Finally, when the concentration of Ag+ is the same in both compartments, equilibrium will have been reached, and the measured potential difference between the two compartments will be zero (Ecell = 0).

Example $$\PageIndex{2}$$

Calculate the voltage in a galvanic cell that contains a manganese electrode immersed in a 2.0 M solution of MnCl2 as the cathode, and a manganese electrode immersed in a 5.2 × 10−2 M solution of MnSO4 as the anode (T = 25°C).

Given: galvanic cell, identities of the electrodes, and solution concentrations

Strategy:

1. Write the overall reaction that occurs in the cell.
2. Determine the number of electrons transferred. Substitute this value into the Nernst equation to calculate the voltage.

Solution

A This is a concentration cell, in which the electrode compartments contain the same redox active substance but at different concentrations. The anions (Cl and SO42−) do not participate in the reaction, so their identity is not important. The overall reaction is as follows:

$\ce{ Mn^{2+}}(aq, 2.0\, M) \rightarrow \ce{Mn^{2+}} (aq, 5.2 \times 10^{−2}\, M)\nonumber$

B For the reduction of Mn2+(aq) to Mn(s), n = 2. We substitute this value and the given Mn2+ concentrations into Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$:

\begin{align*} E_\textrm{cell} &=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{n}\right)\log Q \\[4pt] &=\textrm{0 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{2}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{5.2\times10^{-2}}{2.0}\right) \\[4pt] &=\textrm{0.047 V}\end{align*}

Thus manganese will dissolve from the electrode in the compartment that contains the more dilute solution and will be deposited on the electrode in the compartment that contains the more concentrated solution.

Exercise $$\PageIndex{2}$$

Suppose we construct a galvanic cell by placing two identical platinum electrodes in two beakers that are connected by a salt bridge. One beaker contains 1.0 M HCl, and the other a 0.010 M solution of Na2SO4 at pH 7.00. Both cells are in contact with the atmosphere, with $$P_\mathrm{O_2}$$ = 0.20 atm. If the relevant electrochemical reaction in both compartments is the four-electron reduction of oxygen to water:

$\ce{O2(g) + 4H^{+}(aq) + 4e^{−} \rightarrow 2H2O(l)} \nonumber$

What will be the potential when the circuit is closed?

0.41 V

## Using Cell Potentials to Measure Solubility Products

Because voltages are relatively easy to measure accurately using a voltmeter, electrochemical methods provide a convenient way to determine the concentrations of very dilute solutions and the solubility products ($$K_{sp}$$) of sparingly soluble substances. As you learned previously, solubility products can be very small, with values of less than or equal to 10−30. Equilibrium constants of this magnitude are virtually impossible to measure accurately by direct methods, so we must use alternative methods that are more sensitive, such as electrochemical methods.

To understand how an electrochemical cell is used to measure a solubility product, consider the cell shown in Figure $$\PageIndex{1}$$, which is designed to measure the solubility product of silver chloride:

$K_{sp} = [\ce{Ag^{+}}][\ce{Cl^{−}}]. \nonumber$

In one compartment, the cell contains a silver wire inserted into a 1.0 M solution of Ag+; the other compartment contains a silver wire inserted into a 1.0 M Cl solution saturated with AgCl. In this system, the Ag+ ion concentration in the first compartment equals Ksp. We can see this by dividing both sides of the equation for Ksp by [Cl] and substituting:

\begin{align*}[\ce{Ag^{+}}] &= \dfrac{K_{sp}}{[\ce{Cl^{−}}]} \\[4pt] &= \dfrac{K_{sp}}{1.0} = K_{sp}. \end{align*}

The overall cell reaction is as follows:

Ag+(aq, concentrated) → Ag+(aq, dilute)

Thus the voltage of the concentration cell due to the difference in [Ag+] between the two cells is as follows:

\begin{align} E_\textrm{cell} &=\textrm{0 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{1}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{[\mathrm{Ag^+}]_\textrm{dilute}}{[\mathrm{Ag^+}]_\textrm{concentrated}}\right) \nonumber \\[4pt] &= -\textrm{0.0591 V } \log\left(\dfrac{K_{\textrm{sp}}}{1.0}\right) \nonumber \\[4pt] &=-\textrm{0.0591 V }\log K_{\textrm{sp}} \label{Eq122} \end{align}

By closing the circuit, we can measure the potential caused by the difference in [Ag+] in the two cells. In this case, the experimentally measured voltage of the concentration cell at 25°C is 0.580 V. Solving Equation $$\ref{Eq122}$$ for $$K_{sp}$$,

\begin{align*}\log K_\textrm{sp} & =\dfrac{-E_\textrm{cell}}{\textrm{0.0591 V}}=\dfrac{-\textrm{0.580 V}}{\textrm{0.0591 V}}=-9.81 \\[4pt] K_\textrm{sp} & =1.5\times10^{-10}\end{align*}

Thus a single potential measurement can provide the information we need to determine the value of the solubility product of a sparingly soluble salt.

Example $$\PageIndex{3}$$: Solubility of lead(II) sulfate

To measure the solubility product of lead(II) sulfate (PbSO4) at 25°C, you construct a galvanic cell like the one shown in Figure $$\PageIndex{1}$$, which contains a 1.0 M solution of a very soluble Pb2+ salt [lead(II) acetate trihydrate] in one compartment that is connected by a salt bridge to a 1.0 M solution of Na2SO4 saturated with PbSO4 in the other. You then insert a Pb electrode into each compartment and close the circuit. Your voltmeter shows a voltage of 230 mV. What is Ksp for PbSO4? Report your answer to two significant figures.

Given: galvanic cell, solution concentrations, electrodes, and voltage

Strategy:

1. From the information given, write the equation for Ksp. Express this equation in terms of the concentration of Pb2+.
2. Determine the number of electrons transferred in the electrochemical reaction. Substitute the appropriate values into Equation $$\ref{Eq1}$$2 and solve for Ksp.

Solution

A You have constructed a concentration cell, with one compartment containing a 1.0 M solution of $$\ce{Pb^{2+}}$$ and the other containing a dilute solution of Pb2+ in 1.0 M Na2SO4. As for any concentration cell, the voltage between the two compartments can be calculated using the Nernst equation. The first step is to relate the concentration of Pb2+ in the dilute solution to Ksp:

\begin{align*}[\mathrm{Pb^{2+}}][\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}] & =K_\textrm{sp} \\ [\mathrm{Pb^{2+}}] &=\dfrac{K_\textrm{sp}}{[\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}]}=\dfrac{K_\textrm{sp}}{\textrm{1.0 M}}=K_\textrm{sp}\end{align*}

B The reduction of Pb2+ to Pb is a two-electron process and proceeds according to the following reaction:

Pb2+(aq, concentrated) → Pb2+(aq, dilute)

so

\begin{align*}E_\textrm{cell} &=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{0.0591}{n}\right)\log Q \\ \textrm{0.230 V} & =\textrm{0 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}{2}\right)\log\left(\dfrac{[\mathrm{Pb^{2+}}]_\textrm{dilute}}{[\mathrm{Pb^{2+}}]_\textrm{concentrated}}\right)=-\textrm{0.0296 V}\log\left(\dfrac{K_\textrm{sp}}{1.0}\right) \\ -7.77 & =\log K_\textrm{sp} \\ 1.7\times10^{-8} & =K_\textrm{sp}\end{align*}

Exercise $$\PageIndex{3}$$

A concentration cell similar to the one described in Example $$\PageIndex{3}$$ contains a 1.0 M solution of lanthanum nitrate [La(NO3)3] in one compartment and a 1.0 M solution of sodium fluoride saturated with LaF3 in the other. A metallic La strip is inserted into each compartment, and the circuit is closed. The measured potential is 0.32 V. What is the Ksp for LaF3? Report your answer to two significant figures.

5.7 × 10−17

## Using Cell Potentials to Measure Concentrations

Another use for the Nernst equation is to calculate the concentration of a species given a measured potential and the concentrations of all the other species. We saw an example of this in Example $$\PageIndex{3}$$, in which the experimental conditions were defined in such a way that the concentration of the metal ion was equal to Ksp. Potential measurements can be used to obtain the concentrations of dissolved species under other conditions as well, which explains the widespread use of electrochemical cells in many analytical devices. Perhaps the most common application is in the determination of [H+] using a pH meter, as illustrated below.

Example $$\PageIndex{4}$$: Measuring pH

Suppose a galvanic cell is constructed with a standard Zn/Zn2+ couple in one compartment and a modified hydrogen electrode in the second compartment. The pressure of hydrogen gas is 1.0 atm, but [H+] in the second compartment is unknown. The cell diagram is as follows:

$\ce{Zn(s)}|\ce{Zn^{2+}}(aq, 1.0\, M) || \ce{H^{+}} (aq, ?\, M)| \ce{H2} (g, 1.0\, atm)| Pt(s) \nonumber$

What is the pH of the solution in the second compartment if the measured potential in the cell is 0.26 V at 25°C?

Given: galvanic cell, cell diagram, and cell potential

Asked for: pH of the solution

Strategy:

1. Write the overall cell reaction.
2. Substitute appropriate values into the Nernst equation and solve for −log[H+] to obtain the pH.

Solution

A Under standard conditions, the overall reaction that occurs is the reduction of protons by zinc to give H2 (note that Zn lies below H2 in Table P2):

Zn(s) + 2H2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) E°=0.76 V

B By substituting the given values into the simplified Nernst equation (Equation $$\ref{Eq4}$$), we can calculate [H+] under nonstandard conditions:

\begin{align*}E_\textrm{cell} &=E^\circ_\textrm{cell}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}n\right)\log\left(\dfrac{[\mathrm{Zn^{2+}}]P_\mathrm{H_2}}{[\mathrm{H^+}]^2}\right) \\ \textrm{0.26 V} &=\textrm{0.76 V}-\left(\dfrac{\textrm{0.0591 V}}2\right)\log\left(\dfrac{(1.0)(1.0)}{[\mathrm{H^+}]^2}\right) \\ 16.9 &=\log\left(\dfrac{1}{[\mathrm{H^+}]^2}\right)=\log[\mathrm{H^+}]^{-2}=(-2)\log[\mathrm{H^+}] \\ 8.46 &=-\log[\mathrm{H^+}] \\ 8.5 &=\mathrm{pH}\end{align*}

Thus the potential of a galvanic cell can be used to measure the pH of a solution.

Exercise $$\PageIndex{4}$$

Suppose you work for an environmental laboratory and you want to use an electrochemical method to measure the concentration of Pb2+ in groundwater. You construct a galvanic cell using a standard oxygen electrode in one compartment (E°cathode = 1.23 V). The other compartment contains a strip of lead in a sample of groundwater to which you have added sufficient acetic acid, a weak organic acid, to ensure electrical conductivity. The cell diagram is as follows:

$Pb_{(s)} ∣Pb^{2+}(aq, ? M)∥H^+(aq), 1.0 M∣O_2(g, 1.0 atm)∣Pt_{(s)}\nonumber$

When the circuit is closed, the cell has a measured potential of 1.62 V. Use Table P2 to determine the concentration of Pb2+ in the groundwater.

$$1.2 \times 10^{−9}\; M$$