Redox reactions

[Mya Majewski 1L]

How do you determine if a redox reaction is favorable?

[Tiffany Chen 2E]

Generally, a negative E° means the reaction is unfavorable. This is because in the equation ∆G°(redox)= -nFE°, a negative E° would yield a positive ∆G°. When ∆G° is positive, that means the reaction is not spontaneous and thereby unfavorable.

[Jasmeet Dhaliwal 3E]

To determine if a redox reaction is favorable, you must first figure out the E° of the reaction. This is easiest done by splitting the overall reaction into its half-reactions. After determining which half-reaction is the oxidation reaction and which is the reduction reaction, find the respective standard potentials using the table in the book. Then apply the formula, E° = E°(cathode) - E° (anode) to determine the overall E°. If E° is greater than zero, the reaction is spontaneous/favorable (because K>1 and delta G<0). Hope this helps!