Nernst Equation

The Nernst Equation enables one to determine electromotive forces (emf) of many processes, for instance the resting potential of cell membranes. We can then deduce the biological standard potentials which are important in studying biological process such as action potential during a spike of a neuron in response to a stimulus.

Introduction

The Nernst Equation is derived from the emf and the Gibbs energy under non-standard conditions.

Eo=Eoreduction−Eooxidation 

When Eo is positive, the reaction is spontaneous. When Eo is negative, the reaction is not spontaneous. Since the change in Gibbs free energy, ΔG, is also related to spontaneity of a reaction, therefore, ΔG and E are related. Specifically,

ΔG=−nFE 

where, n is # of electrons transferred in the reaction, F is the Faraday constant (96500 C/mol) and E is potential difference. Under standard conditions, this equation is then

ΔGo=−nFEo.

Since,

ΔG=ΔGo+RTlnQ(1)

Substituting ΔG=−nFE and ΔGo=−nFEo into equation (1), we have:

−nFE=−nFEo +RTlnQ

Divide both sides of the equation above by −nF, we have

E=Eo −RTnFlnQ(2)

Equation (2) can be rewritten in the form of log base 10:

E=Eo −2.303RTnFlogQ(3)

At standard temperature T = 298K, the 2.303RTF equals .0592 V, so equation (3) turns into:

E = Eo −.0592VnlogQ

The equation above indicates that the electrical potential of a cell depends upon the reaction quotient Q of the reaction. As the redox reaction proceeds, reactants are consumed, thus concentration of reactants decreases. Conversely, the products concentration increases due to the increased in products formation. As this happens, cell potential gradually decreases until the reaction is at equilibrium, at which ΔG =0.

Example 1

For the Zn-Cu redox reaction: Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Zn2+(aq)+Cu(s)Eocell=+1.10V SOLUTION Initially, [Cu2+] = [Zn2+] = 1.0 M at standard T = 298K As the reaction proceeds, [Cu2+] decreases as [Zn2+] increases. Lets say after one minute, [Cu2+] = 0.05 M while [Zn2+] = 5.0 M. According to Nernst, cell potential after 1 minute is: E = Eo −0.0592VnlogQ E = 1.10V −0.0592V2log5.0M.05 M E=1.04V As you can see, the initial cell potential is E =1.10V, after 1 minute, the potential drops to 1.04 V. As the reaction continues to progress, more Cu2+ will be consumed and more Zn2+ will be generated. As a result, the cell potential continues to decrease and when the cell potential drops down to 0, the concentration of reactants and products stops changing. This is when the reaction is at equilibrium.

At equilibrium, the reaction quotient Q=Keq. Also, at equilibrium, ΔG =0 and ΔG=−nFE, so E =0.   

Therefore, substituting Q=Keq and E =0 into the Nernst equation, we have:

0=Eo−RTnFlnKeq

At standard conditions, the equation above simplifies into:

0=Eo −0.0592nlogKeq

This equation can be rearranged into: 

logKeq=nEo0.0592

The equation above indicates that the equilibrium constant K_eq is proportional to the standard potential of the reaction. Specifically, when:

• K>1,Eo>0, reaction favors products formation.
• K<1,Eo<0, reaction favors reactants formation.

This result fits Le Châtlier's Principle,which states that when a system at equilibrium experiences a change, the system will minimize that change by shifting the equilibrium in the opposite direction.

Biological Application of the Nerst Equation

The emf can be determined measuring the current in a galvanic cell. This method is important when determining the standard potential of oxidizing agents. But our interest is the biological standard potentials such as neurons firing.

Action Potential of a Neuron Cell

Perhaps the most fascinating system in our body is the nervous system. The neuron is the basic operating unit of the nervous system and its mechanism is still under a lot of research. Electrolytes Sodium and Potassium are the most prevalent electrolytes in our body. Intracellular concentrations of Potassium is higher inside the cell in comparison to extracellular. For Sodium it's the opposite more extracellular and less intracellular. This difference in concentration is the mechanics of how a neuron and other cells have resting potentials. ATPase pumps and selective membrane channels allow for the concentration gradient difference. With the Nernst Equation we can deduce the membrane potential of a neuron for our discussion. The concentration of potassium inside is 150 mM, and 15 mM outside. Plugging these values in the equation above out comes the neuron potential which can be depolarize in response to ...

  

References

1. Atkins, Peter and de Paula, Julio. Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company. p. 214-222.