Lesson Plan

Lesson: Nernst Equation

Aim :

To study the application of the Nernst equation and electrochemical processes.

Learning Outcomes :

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. use the Nernst equation to calculate the electrode potential, E of half-cell equations
under non-standard conditions.

2. use the Nernst equation to determine the effect of concentration on the e.m.f of the
cell.

3. explain the electrochemical process involved in :

a. the galvanizing of iron
b. dental filling
c. batteries for electric cars

Assumed prior knowledge :

Students should already be familiar with the concept of :

1. electrochemical cells

2. standard electrode potentials.

Underlying Principles

1. Making the invisible, visible.

2. Enabling students to know what to look for.

Time taken to complete the activities : 80 minutes

Differentiation

Questions in the student notes are designed to enable all students to complete the activity.
The pop-up answers are provided for the students to view when they have considered their
responses. Worksheet questions include questions that require recall, understanding and
application of the new concepts learned.

© 2003 Ministry of Education Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Page 1 of 4

Development of Lesson :

No. Steps Strategy Resources

1 Set Induction. • Teacher to quiz students to ensure that
(Ascertaining prior they have the necessary background
knowledge and knowledge.
introducing lesson
topic for the day). Teacher to point out lesson objectives for
the day.

2 Student Activity Teacher to go through Activities 1 - 2 • Courseware

with the students.

• Activity 1 : Nernst equation

Students get to investigate the effect of

changing the concentration of the solution
in a half-cell on the standard cell
potential, e.m.f of the cell. They are also
introduced to the Nernst equation and its
application.

• Activity 2 : Electrochemical processes

Students are shown the electrochemical
processes involved in the corrosion of
metals such as iron and in dental fillings.
They are also shown how galvanaic
cells are connected in series to form the
lead storage battery.

3 Evaluation • Students to answer questions in the • Worksheet

student worksheet on their own.

4 Extension activity • Students to go through the extension • Websites

activities on their own. • Reference
books.

© 2003 Ministry of Education Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Page 2 of 4

Worksheet answers

1. Nernst equation

1.1 a. Ag+(aq) + e- Ag(s) E = +0.80 V

0.059 1
Ecell = E − lg
n [Ag + ]

0.059 1
= + 0.80 − lg
1 [0.2]

= +0.84 V

b. Pb4+(aq) + 2e- Pb2+(aq) E = +1.69 V

0.059 [Pb 2+ ]
Ecell = E − lg
n [Pb 4 + ]

0.059 [0.4]
= + 1.69 − lg
2 [0.8]

= +1.70 V

0.059 [Sn 4+ ]
1.2 Nernst equation: Ecell = E − lg
2 [Ag + ] 2 [Sn 2+ ]
0.059
0 = +0.65 − lg K c
2
Kc = 1.08 x 1022

[A very high value for Kc means that the reaction is almost complete and the
equilibrium shifts to the extreme right.]

© 2003 Ministry of Education Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Page 3 of 4

2. Electrochemical Processes

2.1 a. Ni2+(aq) + 2e- Ni(s) E = -0.25 V ……..(1)

Ag+(aq) + e- Ag(s) E = +0.80 V …….(2)

b. Ni(s) Ni2+(aq) + 2e- E = +0.25 V

(2) x 2 : 2Ag (aq) + 2e-
+
2Ag(s) E = +0.80 V

Ni(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Ni2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

c. +0.25 V + 0.80 V = +1.05 V

0.059 [Ni 2 + ]
d. Ecell = E − lg
n [Ag + ] 2

e. According to the Nernst equation in (d) increasing the concentration of Ni2+

will cause the e.m.f. of the cell to decrease.

0.059 [Ni 2 + ]
f. According to the Nernst equation Ecell = E − lg
n [Ag + ] 2
increasing the concentration of Ag+ will cause the e.m.f. of the cell to increase

g. Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) AgCl(s)

Adding Cl- will cause the precipitation of AgCl(s). The concentration of

Ag+(aq) will decrease. According to the Nernst equation, the e.m.f. of the cell
will decrease.

© 2003 Ministry of Education Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Page 4 of 4