I keep getting “Electrode potential” questions wrong in Electrochemistry. What's the trap?
forgetting to keep reduction potentials consistent when subtracting.
The usual trap: forgetting to keep reduction potentials consistent when subtracting. How to avoid it: a positive cell EMF means the reaction is spontaneous. Go back to the definition — the tendency of an electrode to gain electrons; cell EMF = E(cathode) − E(anode).
Key point
Electrode potential
Common mistake
forgetting to keep reduction potentials consistent when subtracting.
Memory tip
a positive cell EMF means the reaction is spontaneous.
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