Interactive Applied Potential / Overpotential Tool
Explore electrochemical reactions with our interactive Zn/Zn²⁺ redox system visualisation
⚡ Applied Potential and Electron Flow Visualiser
Visualise how changing the applied potential relative to the equilibrium potential drives electron transfer in the Zn/Zn²⁺ redox system.
0.00 V
Energy Level Diagram
Reaction Information
Zn ⇌ Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
🔴 Fermi Level Position
At equilibrium
⚡ Dominant Reaction
Equal forward and reverse rates
Current:
0.00 mA/cm²
🔬 What's Happening
Dynamic equilibrium: oxidation and reduction rates are equal
🎓 Understanding the Relationship
🔑 Key Concept: Applied potential controls the energy of electrons in the electrode (Fermi level).
⬆️ More Negative Potential (E ↓): RAISES electron energy (Fermi level ↑) → Makes electrons harder to remove → Reduction favored → Zn²⁺ gains electrons
⬇️ More Positive Potential (E ↑): LOWERS electron energy (Fermi level ↓) → Makes electrons easier to remove → Oxidation favored → Zn loses electrons
⚖️ At Equilibrium (E = E°): Fermi level aligns with redox couple → Forward and reverse rates equal → No net current
⚡ Exponential Rate: Electron transfer rate increases exponentially with overpotential (Butler-Volmer kinetics) - small changes in η produce large changes in current!
💡 Remember: Electrons flow from high energy to low energy. The applied potential adjusts whether the electrode is "uphill" or "downhill" relative to the solution!