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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of an electrochemical cell?
What is the primary function of an electrochemical cell?
Which type of electrochemical cell generates electricity through a spontaneous redox reaction?
Which type of electrochemical cell generates electricity through a spontaneous redox reaction?
What occurs at the anode in an electrochemical cell?
What occurs at the anode in an electrochemical cell?
What is the purpose of the salt bridge in an electrochemical cell?
What is the purpose of the salt bridge in an electrochemical cell?
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What is the relationship between the cell potential and free energy in an electrochemical cell?
What is the relationship between the cell potential and free energy in an electrochemical cell?
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Which of the following is an example of an electrochemical cell?
Which of the following is an example of an electrochemical cell?
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What is the term for the voltage generated by an electrochemical cell under standard conditions?
What is the term for the voltage generated by an electrochemical cell under standard conditions?
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What is the purpose of the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell?
What is the purpose of the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell?
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Study Notes
Electrochemical Cell
Definition
- An electrochemical cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa.
- It consists of two half-cells: an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte.
Types of Electrochemical Cells
-
Galvanic Cell (Voltaic Cell)
- Spontaneous redox reaction, generates electricity
- Example: Zinc-Copper cell
-
Electrolytic Cell
- Non-spontaneous redox reaction, requires external electricity
- Example: Electrolysis of water
Components of an Electrochemical Cell
-
Anode
- Oxidation occurs, electrons are released
- Typically made of a material that can be oxidized easily (e.g., zinc)
-
Cathode
- Reduction occurs, electrons are consumed
- Typically made of a material that can be reduced easily (e.g., copper)
-
Electrolyte
- Facilitates the flow of ions between the anode and cathode
- Can be a solid, liquid, or gel-like substance
-
Salt Bridge
- Connects the two half-cells, allowing ions to flow
- Maintains electrical neutrality in each half-cell
Electrochemical Cell Reactions
-
Oxidation Half-Reaction
- Occurs at the anode, electrons are released
-
Reduction Half-Reaction
- Occurs at the cathode, electrons are consumed
-
Overall Cell Reaction
- Combination of oxidation and reduction half-reactions
Cell Potential and Free Energy
-
Cell Potential (Ecell)
- The voltage generated by the electrochemical cell
- Measured in volts (V)
-
Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)
- The cell potential under standard conditions (1M concentrations, 25°C, 1 atm)
-
Free Energy (ΔG)
- The energy available to do work in the electrochemical cell
- Related to cell potential by the equation: ΔG = -nFEcell
Electrochemical Cell
Definition and Function
- Converts chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa
- Consists of two half-cells: an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte
Types of Electrochemical Cells
-
Galvanic Cell (Voltaic Cell)
- Spontaneous redox reaction, generates electricity
- Example: Zinc-Copper cell
-
Electrolytic Cell
- Non-spontaneous redox reaction, requires external electricity
- Example: Electrolysis of water
Components of an Electrochemical Cell
-
Anode
- Oxidation occurs, electrons are released
- Typically made of a material that can be oxidized easily (e.g., zinc)
-
Cathode
- Reduction occurs, electrons are consumed
- Typically made of a material that can be reduced easily (e.g., copper)
-
Electrolyte
- Facilitates the flow of ions between the anode and cathode
- Can be a solid, liquid, or gel-like substance
-
Salt Bridge
- Connects the two half-cells, allowing ions to flow
- Maintains electrical neutrality in each half-cell
Electrochemical Cell Reactions
-
Oxidation Half-Reaction
- Occurs at the anode, electrons are released
-
Reduction Half-Reaction
- Occurs at the cathode, electrons are consumed
-
Overall Cell Reaction
- Combination of oxidation and reduction half-reactions
Cell Potential and Free Energy
-
Cell Potential (Ecell)
- The voltage generated by the electrochemical cell
- Measured in volts (V)
-
Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)
- The cell potential under standard conditions (1M concentrations, 25°C, 1 atm)
-
Free Energy (ΔG)
- The energy available to do work in the electrochemical cell
- Related to cell potential by the equation: ΔG = -nFEcell
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Description
An electrochemical cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa, consisting of two half-cells: an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte.
