Summary:
- In order to function, any electrochemical cell must consist of two half-cells.
- Table below can be used to determine the reactions that will occur.
- The half-cell with the higher reduction potential according to the table will undergo reduction within the cell.
- If those specifications are followed, the overall cell potential will be a positive value.
- The cell potential must be positive in order for redox reaction of the cell to be spontaneous.
- If a negative cell potential were to be calculated, that reaction would be spontaneous in the reverse direction.