Study resource
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only) key terms
Study Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only) with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
At a glance
key terms
Resource type
Topic
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)
Key terms
Standard Electrode Potential
The measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, measured under standard conditions.
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
A reference electrode with a potential of 0.00 V, used to measure the electrode potentials of other half-cells.
Standard Electrode Potential (E°)
The voltage measured under standard conditions when a half-cell is connected to a standard hydrogen electrode.
Galvanic Cell
An electrochemical cell that derives electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions occurring within the cell.
Standard Electrode Potential (E°)
The measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, measured under standard conditions.
Galvanic Cell
An electrochemical cell that derives electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions occurring within the cell.
Anode
The electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell, resulting in the loss of electrons.
Cathode
The electrode where reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell, resulting in the gain of electrons.
Oxidation
The loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.
Reduction
The gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.
Standard Electrode Potential (E°)
The measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, measured under standard conditions.
Galvanic Cell
An electrochemical cell that derives electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions occurring within the cell.
Oxidizing Agent
A substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction and is reduced.
Reducing Agent
A substance that loses electrons in a redox reaction and is oxidized.
Electrochemical Cell
A device that generates electrical energy from chemical reactions or facilitates chemical reactions through the introduction of electrical energy.
Voltage
The measure of electric potential difference between two points, expressed in volts (V).
Cell potential
The measure of the ability of an electrochemical cell to drive an electric current, measured in volts (V).
Nernst equation
An equation that relates the cell potential to the standard cell potential and the concentrations of the reactants and products.
Related topics