Question about standard reduction potentials

[Ewokinarmor]

Hey, I read ahead a little bit in my chemistry book and came across the table of standard reduction potentials. Is it possible to increase the reduction potential of, say, a metal by stimulating it with an electric current? Because if what I know of electric currents is true (they're net movements of electrons), then shouldn't the electrons in the current have enough energy to jump from the metal and reduce other things that normally would not accept an electron?

[studiot]

Hey, I read ahead a little bit in my chemistry book and came across the table of standard reduction potentials. Is it possible to increase the reduction potential of, say, a metal by stimulating it with an electric current? Because if what I know of electric currents is true (they're net movements of electrons), then shouldn't the electrons in the current have enough energy to jump from the metal and reduce other things that normally would not accept an electron?

 

 

Well sort of, but not quite as you imagine, but +1 for having the idea.

 

Driving a reaction by applying electricity is called electrolysis.

 

However that does not let us reach new reactions, it only works on reactions that might happen anyway.

 

It can do two things.

 

1) It can accelerate actually occurring reactions and/or drive the equilibrium further in the direction of products.

 

2) It can overcome activation energy requirements in the form of potential barriers.

Edited November 14, 2015 by studiot