Gibbs energy and electrical work (ΔG = −nFE) (ΔG = −n F Ecell)
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ΔG = −n F Ecell
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| F | Faraday constant ≈ 96485 C mol⁻¹ |
| n | Moles of electrons transferred per mole of reaction as written (dimensionless) |
| \Delta G | Gibbs free energy change of cell reaction (J mol⁻¹ for reaction as written) |
| E_{\mathrm{cell}} | Cell potential (V); under standard states use E° |
When to use this
Reversible cell at constant T, P; electrical work = nFE. Spontaneous cell: Ecell > 0 ⇒ ΔG < 0.