Question

How does the electrochemical series help in calculating the emf of a standard cell?

Answer 1

The standard cell potential for a galvanic cell is given by:

\[\ce{E^{\circ}_{cell} = E^{\circ}_{cathode} - E^{\circ}_{anode}}\]

Where \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{cathode}}\] and \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{anode}}\] are the standard potentials (standard reduction potentials) of the cathode (reduction electrode) and anode (oxidation electrode), respectively. The values of \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{cathode}}\] and \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{anode}}\] can be obtained from the electrochemical series. Knowing the values, \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{cell}}\] can be calculated with the help of the above relationship.