5.2.3 Redox And Electrode Potentials Flashcards
1
Q
What is an oxidising agent?
A
Oxidising agents are substances that oxidise other species, gain electrons and are themselves reduced
2
Q
What is a reducing agent?
A
Reducing agents are substances that reduce other species, lose electrons and are themselves oxidised
3
Q
What is oxidation?
A
The loss of electrons. increase of oxidation number
4
Q
What is reduction?
A
The gain of electrons and decrease in oxidation number
5
Q
What are electrochemical cells?
A
- Cells that control electron transfer and produce electrical energy
- Forms the basis of cells and batteries
- One electrochemical cell of formed of 2 half cells
6
Q
What are the characteristics of a Metal-ion half cell?
A
- A half cell is made up of 1 element in two different oxidation states
- (a simple one being a metal electrode being placed in a solution of (one type) of
its own ions)
-An equilibrium exists on the surface of the metal and the metal ions in solution
e.g. Cu2+(aq) ⇌ Cu(s)
7
Q
What are the characteristics of ion-ion half cells?
A
Half cells where 2 ions of the same element in different oxidation states are present in solution, but since you can only half 2 different oxidation states, an inert electrode it used (platinum, Pt)
