Chapter 5: Galvanic cells as a source of energy

Question 1

Accumulator

Answer 1

A secondary, or rechargeable, electrochemical cell.

Question 2

Alkaline Cell

Answer 2

A commercial electrochemical cell with an alkaline electrolyte that is a moist paste rather than a solution.

Question 3

Anode

Answer 3

An electrode at which an oxidation reaction occurs.

Question 4

Battery

Answer 4

A combination of cells connected in series.

Question 5

Battery capacity

Answer 5

The maximum amount of every available under certain specified conditions. It is determined by the amount of reactants contained in the battery.

Question 6

Battery life

Answer 6

A measure of the performance of a battery. It can be the time the battery operates in a device following a full charge or the number of charge-discharge cycles before the battery becomes unusable.

Question 7

Electrochemical cell

Answer 7

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa.

Question 8

Electrochemical series

Answer 8

A list of half-equations, written as reduction reactions, arranged in order so that the strongest oxidising agents are at the top, left-hand-side of the list.

Question 9

Electrode

Answer 9

A (usually) solid conductor in a half-cell at which oxidation or reduction reactions occur

Question 10

Electrolyte

Answer 10

A chemical substance which conducts electric current as a result of dissociation into positively and negatively charged ions, which migrate to the negative and positive terminals of the electric circuit.

Question 11

Electronegative

Answer 11

A measure of the ability of an atom of an element to attract electrons.

Question 12

External circuit

Answer 12

The section of an electrochemical cell in which electrons move. This section of the circuit will include the wires attached to the electrodes.

Question 13

Galvanic cell

Answer 13

Also known as a voltaic cell, a device which converts chemical into electrical energy.

Question 14

Galvanometer

Answer 14

An instrument for detecting electric current.

Question 15

Half cell

Answer 15

Half an electrochemical cell which contains the oxidant and its conjugate reductant. When two half-cells are combined, a galvanic cell is formed.

Question 16

Half equation

Answer 16

A balanced chemical equation which shows the loss or gain of electrons by a species during oxidation or reduction.

Question 17

Inert electrode

Answer 17

An electrode which is not consumed by the reaction occurring at the electrode. The electrode serves only as a conductor of electrons. Precious metals and carbon are typically used as inert electrodes.

Question 18

Internal circuit

Answer 18

The section of an electrochemical cell in which ions move eg solutions and salt bridge.

Question 19

Lithium-Ion Cell

Answer 19

A galvanic cell which generates electricity from the oxidation of lithium embedded in the lattice structure of a graphite rod and the reduction of a metal oxide. The reduction product combines with the lithium ions.

Question 20

Non-Rechargeable Cell

Answer 20

A primary galvanic cell.

Question 21

Volt

Answer 21

The unit of potential difference. On volt is defined as one joule per coulomb of charge.

Question 22

Voltaic Cell

Answer 22

Also known as a galvanic cell, a device which converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Question 23

Voltmeter

Answer 23

An instrument for measuring electrical potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit.

Question 24

Cathode

Answer 24

An electrode at which a reduction reaction occurs.