To determine which metal reduces and which oxidizes in an electrochemical cell, compare their standard reduction potentials. The metal with the more positive standard reduction potential acts as the oxidizing agent and undergoes reduction, while the other metal is oxidized. This principle is fundamental in electrochemistry and can be found in General Chemistry textbooks. Understanding these potentials allows for predicting the feasibility of reactions.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, educators, and professionals in fields related to electrochemistry and materials science will benefit from this discussion.
physicsperson said:For an electrochemical cell containing two metals how do I figure out which one reduces and which one oxidizes using standard reduction potentials? Thank you very much for the help.