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Galvanic Cell Reduction-Potential Difference

Subtract anode reduction potential from cathode reduction potential for a positive galvanic-cell potential.

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Calculator inputs

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How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the known values in the units shown. Results update as you type.
  2. Where results are editable, change one to solve backwards. Lock a value to hold it fixed.
  3. Use the worked example to check the method. Reset restores the starting fields.

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Formula and method

Cathode reduction potential 0.34 V minus anode reduction potential −0.76 V gives cell potential 1.10 V.

Cell potential = cathode reduction potential − anode reduction potential

Worked example

Enter these known values and leave the other values blank.

Anode reduction potential
-0.76 V
Cathode reduction potential
0.34 V
Positive galvanic-cell potential
1.1 V

Assumptions and limitations

  • Enter both electrodes as reduction potentials against the same reference and under compatible conditions. The retained domain requires cathode potential greater than anode potential.
  • Tabulated standard potentials give a standard cell potential. Nonstandard concentrations, pressures and activities require the appropriate electrochemical adjustment.
  • Do not multiply electrode potentials by stoichiometric coefficients when balancing electrons. This difference does not include internal resistance, overpotential or voltage drop under load.

Common questions

Should I reverse the sign of the anode input?

Enter its reduction potential as tabulated against the common reference. The formula subtracts that value to account for oxidation at the anode.

Can this report a negative cell potential?

This mode retains the positive galvanic-cell domain. Zero and negative differences are rejected rather than interpreted as another operating mode.

References

The calculation equations, inverse formulas, units, and input rules were imported from this source. Bookify provides the interface and equation solver.

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