Standard Cell Potential

Definition

The standard cell potential, also known as E°cell, is a measure of the voltage or electrical potential difference between two half-cells in an electrochemical cell under standard conditions. It represents the tendency for a redox reaction to occur and determines whether a cell is capable of producing an electric current.

Related terms

Redox Reaction:

A chemical reaction involving both reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). For example, when iron rusts (oxidation) and oxygen gains electrons (reduction).

Electrochemical Cell:

A device that uses redox reactions to convert chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa. Examples include batteries and fuel cells.

Voltage:

The measure of electric potential difference between two points in a circuit. It's similar to pressure in water flowing through pipes - higher voltage means more "pressure" for electrons to flow.