Copyright
Standardized Tests Courses / Course

Video: Nernst Equation | Definition, Formula & Examples

An error occurred trying to load this video.

Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support.

Your next lesson will play in 10 seconds
  • 0:04 Batteries
  • 0:40 The Nernst Equation
  • 2:10 Sample Calculations
  • 4:38 Lesson Summary
 Save Timeline
Autoplay
Autoplay
Instructor Laura Foist

Laura has a Masters of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition and has taught college Science.

The Nernst equation, which measures electrical energy, is used to find the cell potential, or voltage, of a system. The formula was developed by Nobel Prize winner, Walther Nernst, and is as follows:The formula takes into account Faraday's constant F, or the charge on an electron. It also takes into consideration the concentration of moving electrons, number of electrons, and temperature, as well as how gasses behave. To calculate Qc, or the reaction quotient at a designated moment, you have to divide the concentration of products by the concentration of reactants. In addition to the voltage of a system, the Nernst equation can be used to calculate the concentration for a specific voltage or how a reaction will unfold at different temperatures. Read Nernst Equation | Definition, Formula & Examples Lesson
Create an account to start this course today
Used by over 30 million students worldwide
Create an account