Zinc Electrode Reaction Model
Zn(s) ⇌ Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
Interactive reaction coordinate diagram for Zn/Zn²⁺ Electrode Process
Key Concepts:
- E° = -0.76 V (Standard potential for Zn²⁺/Zn) - At this potential, the system is at equilibrium
- Slider range: -1.26 V to -0.26 V (±0.5 V around equilibrium)
- EF (Electrode Fermi Level) - The energy of electrons at the electrode surface (red line). More positive Eapp → lower EF → electrons harder to donate (favors oxidation)
- ΔG‡ (Activation Energy) - The energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed. Changes asymmetrically based on applied potential
- ΔG° (Free Energy Change) - The thermodynamic driving force for the reaction
- More positive Eapp → Oxidation favored (Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻), products stabilized, oxidation barrier decreases
- More negative Eapp → Reduction favored (Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Zn), reactants stabilized, reduction barrier decreases