cell potential

The cell potential $E_{\mathrm{cell}}$ of a galvanic cell is the voltage difference between the reduction site and the oxidation site. Since the reduction half-reaction requires electrons and the oxidation reaction produces electrons, the former pull electrons from the latter over the wire. The cell potential is a measure of the pull or potential difference generated by the redox reactions.

Calculate the cell potential by adding up the potential of both compartments (the reduction potential for cathode would be positive; anode ‘s reduction is reversed and results in oxidation, so its potential must have a negative sign). ${\xi }_{cell}={\xi }_{cathode}+{\xi }_{anode}$

Standard conditions

The standard conditions for cell potential (${\xi }^{\circ }$) is $1\mathrm{M}$ concentrations of aqueous ions (or $1\mathrm{atm}$ pressure).