An electrolytic (voltaic) cell has two electrodes. Each electrode and its surrounding ions, therefore, behave as one component. Each of there components is known as half cell. One component is called reduction half cell and the other is oxidation half each.
“The differences of potential observed between a metal and solution of its salt is called electrode potential”.
ELECTRQDEVPOTENTIAL IS OF TWO TYPES:
i. OXIDATION POTENTIAL:
The potential of a metal as compared to its ions in solution to get oxidized i,e to lose electrons is called oxidation potential.
ii. REDUCTION POTENTIAL:
The potential of a metal as compared to its ions in solution to get reduced i.e. to gain electron is called reduction potential. Conventionally, only reduction potential is used.
Eºreduclion = Eºoxidation
The electrode potential of a metal observed when the concentration of solution is 1M and temperature is 25°C is called “Saturated Electrode Potential”. It is denoted by E°.