Measuring Cell Potentials: Standard Reduction Potentials—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity

In oxidation–reduction reactions, electrons flow from the oxidized substance to the reduced substance. In a voltaic cell, the flow of electrons with a spontaneous oxidation–reduction reaction occurs via an external pathway, and an electric current is produced. With the Measuring Cell Potentials: Standard Reduction Potentials—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity, measure cell potentials for a series of micro-voltaic cells by constructing half-cells from small pieces of metal and drops of its metal ion solution, then build a “salt bridge” between the half-cells to connect them.