## Nerst Equation

Samantha Chung 4I
Posts: 77
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2018 12:16 am

### Nerst Equation

How do we know when to apply the Nerst equation, are there hints in the question that I should look out for?

Tuong-Minh Tran 1C
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:19 am

### Re: Nerst Equation

The Nernst equation is generally used to solve for the cell potential of a galvanic cell. If a problem gives standard cell potentials of half-reactions as well as any information that can be used to solve for Q (the reaction quotient), such as the concentration/pressure of reactants and products, then you should probably use the Nernst equation.

Diviya Khullar 1G
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:19 am

### Re: Nerst Equation

You use the Nerst equation to find cell potential ($E_{cell}$) using the standard cell potential ($E$), gas constant ($R$), moles of electrons transferred ($n$), Faraday's constant ($F$), and the reaction quotient ($Q$). You just have to really read the question to determine what information you are given when determining whether to use the Nerst equation or not.

Karishma_1G
Posts: 67
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:18 am

### Re: Nerst Equation

The Nernst equation is most often used to find the cell potential at a certain point during the reaction. The equation uses the standard cell potential and Q. If two out of these three variables (cell potential, standard cell potential, reaction quotient/concentrations) are given in a problem, I would use the Nernst equation to solve for the missing value.