What is the Difference Between Electrode Potential and Cell Potential?

The main difference between electrode potential and cell potential lies in their definitions and the context in which they are used:

Electrode Potential: This refers to the potential difference at a single electrode in an electrochemical cell. It is the tendency of an electrode to get reduced or oxidized, and it is associated with the ability of an electrode in a cell to either lose or gain electrons. Electrode potential is influenced by factors such as the nature of the electrode, the concentration of ions in the electrolytic solution, and temperature.
Cell Potential: This is the measure of the potential difference between two half cells in an electrochemical cell. It is the sum of the reduction potential of the cathode and the oxidation potential of the anode in a galvanic cell. Cell potential is used to determine the spontaneity of a redox reaction and the overall voltage of an electrochemical cell.

In summary:

Electrode potential is the potential difference at a single electrode.
Cell potential is the potential difference between two electrodes in an electrochemical cell.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Electrode Potential and Cell Potential?

Comparative Table: Electrode Potential vs Cell Potential

Here is a table comparing the differences between electrode potential and cell potential:

Feature	Electrode Potential	Cell Potential
Definition	Electrode potential is the potential difference between two half-cells in an electrochemical cell.	Cell potential is the difference between the reduction potential of the cathode and the reduction potential of the anode in an electrochemical cell.
Unit of Measurement	Electrode potential is measured in volts (V).	Cell potential is measured in volts (V).
Determination	Electrode potential is determined by the difference between the standard reduction potentials of the half-reactions occurring at the cathode and anode.	Cell potential is determined by the difference between the reduction potentials of the cathode and anode in a specific electrochemical cell.
Relationship	The cell potential is related to the difference between the electrode potentials of the cathode and anode.	The cell potential is the sum of the electrode potentials of the cathode and anode.

In summary, electrode potential refers to the potential difference between two half-cells in an electrochemical cell, while cell potential is the difference between the reduction potentials of the cathode and anode in the same cell. Both are measured in volts and are related to each other, with the cell potential being the sum of the electrode potentials.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.