Electrochemical Series Explained with Table, Examples & Quiz

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding the Electrochemical Series
• Standard Electrode Potential (E°)
• Example Table
• Significance
• Quiz
• FAQs

Introduction

The Electrochemical Series, also called the activity series, arranges elements by their standard electrode potentials under standard conditions (25°C, 1 atm, 1 M). It reflects their ability to gain or lose electrons, indicating oxidizing and reducing power.

Understanding the Electrochemical Series

• Top elements → lose electrons easily → strong reducing agents.
• Bottom elements → gain electrons easily → strong oxidizing agents.
• Predicts redox direction & reactivity trends.

Standard Electrode Potential (E°)

– Measured against the Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE).
– Positive E° → easier to be reduced.
– Negative E° → easier to be oxidized.

Example Electrochemical Series (Partial)

Element / Ion	Half Reaction	E° (V)
Lithium (Li⁺/Li)	Li⁺ + e⁻ → Li	-3.04
Zinc (Zn²⁺/Zn)	Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Zn	-0.76
Hydrogen (H⁺/H₂)	2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂	0.00
Copper (Cu²⁺/Cu)	Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu	+0.34
Fluorine (F₂/F⁻)	F₂ + 2e⁻ → 2F⁻	+2.87

Significance

• ✅ Predicts redox reaction feasibility.
• ✅ Explains corrosion tendency of metals.
• ✅ Guides electrode selection for cells.
• ✅ Shows oxidizing vs reducing strength.

Quiz:

1. What does the electrochemical series represent?
2. What is the E° of the hydrogen electrode?
3. Which is a stronger reducing agent: lithium or copper?
4. Why are metals higher more reactive?
5. How does the series help in predicting displacement reactions?

Answers

1. It ranks elements by standard electrode potentials.
2. 0.00 V (reference).
3. Lithium (more negative E°).
4. They lose electrons more easily.
5. A higher metal can displace a lower one.

FAQs

Q1: What is another name for the electrochemical series?

A: It is also called the activity series.

Q2: Why is hydrogen electrode set at 0 V?

A: To serve as a universal reference for measuring electrode potentials.

Q3: How does the series help in corrosion studies?

A: Metals higher in the series corrode more easily due to stronger reducing nature.