Standard Electrode Potential and Standard Reduction Potential are two measures of the tendency of a half-reaction to undergo reduction or oxidation, respectively. Both of these potentials may overlap in functionality and critical differences. Standard Electrode Potential is a potential that measures the voltage or electrical potential difference between two half-cells under standard conditions.
Main Difference
Standard Reduction Potential measures a half-reaction’s tendency to undergo reduction under normal conditions. Moreover, Standard Electrode Potential is denoted by E֯ cell while Standard Reduction Potential is denoted by E֯ red. In detail, let us discuss the significant differences between Standard Electrode Potential and Standard Reduction Potential.
What is Standard Reduction Potential?
Standard Reduction Potential is a potential that is defined as the tendency of a half-reaction to gain electrons and go through reduction under standard conditions. It refers to a half-reaction. Standard Reduction Potential compares the relative strength of oxidizing and reducing agents.
The more positive the E red value, the greater the tendency for a species to be reduced and act as a reducing agent. Moreover, it can calculate the equilibrium constant for a redox reaction using the Nernst equation.
What is Standard Electrode Potential?
Standard Electrode Potential is a potential that can be defined as a measure of the electrical potential difference between two half-cells under standard conditions. Moreover, it refers to two half-reactions in a cell.
The symbol representing Standard Electrode Potential is E cell, and the unit is volt. Furthermore, Standard Electrode Potential is used to predict the direction and feasibility of the redox reactions. It is also used to calculate the cell potential of electrochemical cells. In addition, its value is positive if the response is spontaneous and negative if the answer is non-spontaneous.
Key Differences between Standard Electrode Potential and Standard Reduction Potential
- Standard Electrode Potential refers to two half-reactions in a cell, while Standard Reduction Potential refers to a single half-reaction cell.
- Standard Electrode Potential is denoted by E cell while Standard Reduction Potential is denoted by E red.
- Standard Reduction Potential compares the relative strength of reducing and oxidizing agents. On the other hand, Standard Electrode Potential is used to predict the direction of the redox reaction.
- Standard Electrode Potential can calculate the electrochemical cell’s cell potential, while Standard Reduction Potential is used to calculate the equilibrium constant.
- Standard Reduction Potential represents the half-reaction potential by itself, while Standard Electrode Potential represents the potential difference between the cathode and anode in a cell.
Comparison chart
| Aspects | Standard Electrode Potential | Standard Reduction Potential |
| Represents the | The potential difference between cathode and anode in a cell | The potential of a half-reaction by itself |
| Measures the | Electrical potential | Tendency |
| Denoted by | E cell | E red |
| Refers to | Two half-reactions in a cell | Single half-reaction in a cell |
Conclusion
Hence prove that Standard Electrode Potential and Standard Reduction Potential are different. Both potentials differ due to their definitions, half-reactions, calculation, and importance.
