5.4.3 Electrochemical Series & Redox Equations

• The E^ꝋ values of a species indicate how easily they can get oxidised or reduced
• In other words, they indicate the relative reactivity of elements, compounds and ions as oxidising agents or reducing agents
• The electrochemical series is a list of various redox equilibria in order of decreasing E^ꝋ values
• More positive (less negative) E^ꝋ values indicate that:
  • The species is easily reduced
  • The species is a better oxidising agent

• Less positive (more negative) E^ꝋ values indicate that:
  • The species is easily oxidised
  • The species is a better reducing agent

Example of an electrochemical series in which the equilibria are arranged in order of  decreasing E^ꝋ values