Question

If the cell potential is proportional to work and the standard reduction potential for the hydrogen ion is zero, does this mean that the reduction of the hydrogen ion requires no work?

Short answer

Whether when reduction of hydrogen ions works or not, this should be interpreted.

Step-by-step solution

Whether when reduction of hydrogen ions works or not, this should be interpreted.

The difference in potential between anode and cathode is called cell potential. The overall cell potential can be written as,

${E^0}_{cell}=E^0\left(cathode\right)-E^0\left(anode\right)$

Relationship between change of Gibbs free energy and cell potential

The relation between change of Gibbs free energy and cell potential can be written as,

$\Delta G^o=-nF{E}^{o}cell$

Here, Gibbs free energy change is$\Delta G^0.$

Number of electrons for N and F is considered as Faraday’s constant

Electrode potential of hydrogen is zero

The electrode potential is said to be zero when the hydrogen works as standard reference. The electrode’s potential needs to be measured. When there is an equilibrium cell reaction, the cell potential is zero. There is no work done when the cell reaction is in equilibrium.