pH and the Cell Potential

[Kevin Chang 2I]

What exactly is the relationship between the pH of a solution and the measurement of a cell potential (Ecell)?

[Rishi_Kayathi_1E]

The pH of the solution represents the concentration of the Hydrogen ions in the solution. By inserting these concentrations into the Nernst equation we can calculate the cell potential.

[samuelkharpatin2b]

The Nernst equation uses the concentrations of reactants and products. So if a problem provides you with a pH and you know you need to use the Nernst equation in order to solve the problem, you must first find the concentration of hydronium ions, by evaluating 10^(-pH) and then proceed to plug in that value into the appropriate location in the Nernst equation. Be sure to never plug in the pH directly into the equation.