1.11 Electrode Potentials Flashcards
Give the equilibrium formed when you dip zinc in a solution of ions
Zn2+ (aq) + 2e- <=> Zn(s)
Which side of the equilibrium
Zn2+ + 2e- <=> Zn
Is negative / positive
Left has a negative potential due to the build up of electrons, and right is positive as electrons are used up
The larger a potential difference, the more reactive or unreactive a metal is?
The more reactive.
What are the three types of electrodes?
- Metal electrodes
- Gas electrodes
- Redox electrodes
What is a metal electrode?
It consists of a metal surrounded by a solution of its ions eg
Zn(s) | Zn2+(aq)
What is a gas electrode?
Consists of a gas and a solution of its ions. An inert metal (usually platinum) is used as the electrode to allow the flow of electrons
e.g. Pt(s) | H2(g) | H+(aq)
What is a redox electrode?
Consists of two different ions of the same element in solution with an inert metal electrode to allow the flow of electrons Eg Pt(s) | Fe2+(aq),Fe3+(aq)
What is an electrochemical cell?
It is formed when two electrodes in electrolytes are connected, resulting in the generation of an electric current which is caused by the different half equations
What is the difference in electrode potential between the two potentials in an electrochemical cell?
The electromotive force (emf) and is a measure of the force which moves the electrons around the circuit.
What is a salt bridge?
A paper soaked in potassium chloride or nitrate which completes the circuit
How does a salt bridge complete the circuit
It acts as a conductor between the two half-reactions which have to be kept separate, i.e. by being an ionic connection between two ionic solutions in which the ions are free to move and conduct the charge.
What are the standard conditions of a half cell?
- Cell concentration of 1.0 Moldm-3 of the ions involved in the half equation
- Cell temperature of 298K
- Cell pressure of 100kPa
What is the standard hydrogen electrode?
Potentials of all electrodes are measured by comparing their potential to that of the standard hydrogen electrode. Called the primary standard as it is the standard to which all other potentials are compared.
Give the cell notation of the standard hydrogen electrode.
Pt(s) | H2(g) | H+(aq)
What voltage is the standard hydrogen electrode?
It is given a value of 0V by definition
Is the cathode positive or negative, and is it where reduction or oxidation occurs?
Reduction occurs here, and it is positive
Is the anode positive or negative, and is it where reduction or oxidation occurs?
Oxidation occurs here, and it is negative
What does a single | represent in a cell?
It indicates a phase change
What does a || represent in a cell?
A salt bridge.
What are written next to the salt bridge in cell notation?
The most oxidised aqueous ion.