Question

What is the convention for the emf of a cell?

Answer 1

The emf of a galvanic cell will be positive when there is a tendency for the electrons to flow from the left to the right in the external circuit. The oxidation electrode (anode) is always placed on the left-hand side, and the reduction electrode (cathode) on the right-hand side. The convention for the emf (electromotive force) of a cell is:

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