What is the Difference Between Nernst Potential and Zeta Potential?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Nernst potential and zeta potential are both concepts used in physical chemistry, but they differ in their applications and definitions:
- Nernst Potential: This is the potential difference across a biological cell or electrochemical cell membrane, opposing the net diffusion of a particular species. It is also referred to as the reduction potential of a reaction. In the context of cells, the Nernst potential is related to the membrane potential, which is the difference in electrical potential across the plasma membrane of a cell.
- Zeta Potential: This is the potential difference between the surface of a solid particle (such as a colloidal particle) and the bulk of the liquid it is immersed in. Zeta potential is also known as the electrokinetic potential in colloidal dispersions. It is a measure of the electrical potential at the slipping plane, which is the interface that separates the mobile fluid from the fluid attached to the surface of the particle.
In summary:
- Nernst potential is given for biological cells or electrochemical cells.
- Zeta potential is given for colloidal dispersions.
- Nernst potential is the potential difference across the cell membrane, opposing the net diffusion of a species.
- Zeta potential is the potential difference between the surface of a solid particle and the bulk of the liquid it is immersed in.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Nernst Potential and Zeta Potential? Comparative Table: Nernst Potential vs Zeta Potential
Comparative Table: Nernst Potential vs Zeta Potential
The main differences between Nernst potential and zeta potential are summarized in the table below:
Property | Nernst Potential | Zeta Potential |
---|---|---|
Definition | The potential difference across a cell membrane that opposes the net diffusion of ions. | The potential difference between the surface of a solid particle immersed in water and the bulk of the liquid. |
Type | Reduction potential of a reaction. | Electrokinetic potential in colloidal dispersions. |
In the Cell | Occurs across the cell membrane. | Occurs on the surface of the cell. |
Measurement | Calculated using the Nernst equation, considering temperature and ion concentrations on both sides of the membrane. | Measured using electrophoresis. |
Temperature Dependence | Affected by temperature variations. | Temperature-sensitive. |
sciences | Cellular physiology, dictating ion concentration across a cell membrane. | Colloidal science, influencing stability of colloidal systems. |
Read more:
- Positive vs Negative Zeta Potential
- Nernst Potential vs Membrane Potential
- Zeta Potential vs Point of Zero Charge
- Electrode Potential vs Cell Potential
- EMF vs Potential Difference
- Potential Difference vs Voltage
- Membrane Potential vs Equilibrium Potential
- Electric Potential vs Electric Field
- Resting Potential vs Action Potential
- Excitation vs Ionization Potential
- Electric Potential vs Electric Potential Energy
- Electropositive vs Electronegative
- Water Potential vs Osmotic Potential
- Zwitterion vs Dipole
- Graded Potential vs Action Potential
- Oxidation Potential vs Reduction Potential
- Standard Electrode Potential vs Standard Reduction Potential
- True vs Potential Electrolyte
- Single Electrode Potential vs Standard Electrode Potential