What is the Difference Between Nernst Potential and Zeta Potential?

Nernst potential and zeta potential are both concepts used in physical chemistry, but they differ in their applications and definitions:

Nernst Potential: This is the potential difference across a biological cell or electrochemical cell membrane, opposing the net diffusion of a particular species. It is also referred to as the reduction potential of a reaction. In the context of cells, the Nernst potential is related to the membrane potential, which is the difference in electrical potential across the plasma membrane of a cell.
Zeta Potential: This is the potential difference between the surface of a solid particle (such as a colloidal particle) and the bulk of the liquid it is immersed in. Zeta potential is also known as the electrokinetic potential in colloidal dispersions. It is a measure of the electrical potential at the slipping plane, which is the interface that separates the mobile fluid from the fluid attached to the surface of the particle.

In summary:

Nernst potential is given for biological cells or electrochemical cells.
Zeta potential is given for colloidal dispersions.
Nernst potential is the potential difference across the cell membrane, opposing the net diffusion of a species.
Zeta potential is the potential difference between the surface of a solid particle and the bulk of the liquid it is immersed in.

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What is the Difference Between Nernst Potential and Zeta Potential?

Comparative Table: Nernst Potential vs Zeta Potential

The main differences between Nernst potential and zeta potential are summarized in the table below:

Property	Nernst Potential	Zeta Potential
Definition	The potential difference across a cell membrane that opposes the net diffusion of ions.	The potential difference between the surface of a solid particle immersed in water and the bulk of the liquid.
Type	Reduction potential of a reaction.	Electrokinetic potential in colloidal dispersions.
In the Cell	Occurs across the cell membrane.	Occurs on the surface of the cell.
Measurement	Calculated using the Nernst equation, considering temperature and ion concentrations on both sides of the membrane.	Measured using electrophoresis.
Temperature Dependence	Affected by temperature variations.	Temperature-sensitive.
sciences	Cellular physiology, dictating ion concentration across a cell membrane.	Colloidal science, influencing stability of colloidal systems.

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.