These pages are designed to be read in sequence. In order to understand the topic fully, you really ought to read them through in this order. At the bottom of each page you will find a link to the next one.
Standard electrode potentials (redox potentials) . . .
Explains how electrode potentials of metal / metal ion systems arise, and how they are measured. Introduces the important conventions used.
The electrochemical series . . .
Shows how ranking electrode potentials in order leads to the electrochemical series, and the relationship between this and oxidation and reduction.
Redox potentials for other systems . . .
Explains how the electrode potentials (redox potentials) of more complicated systems can be measured and related to the electrochemical series.
Combinations of half cells . . .
Shows the relationship between combinations of half cells and simple redox reactions carried out in test tubes.
Using redox potentials to predict the feasibility of reactions . . .
Explains how to use values of redox potentials to predict whether particular redox reactions are feasible.