Electrochemical Cells Flashcards
How is a flow of electrons produced?
If two different metals are connected in a particular way
What does a simple electrochemical cell consist of?
Two different metals connected through an electrolyte and external wires
How does an electrolyte complete the circuit?
By allowing the ions to flow through it
What metals produce the biggest voltage?
Ones which are further apart in the electrochemical series
When will no voltage be produced?
If the metals are the same
In an electrochemical cell, where do electrons flow from?
Metals higher in the series to metals lower down in the series
Why do electrons flow from metals higher in the electrochemical series to metals lower down?
The more reactive metals are, the more eager they are to give away their outer electrons
What path do electrons follow in every cell?
Oxidation –> Reduction
During a redox reaction, which metal takes part in which step?
The higher metal in the electrochemical series takes part in the oxidation reaction whilst the lower metal takes part in the reduction reaction
How do electrons flow through the wires?
From the metal higher in the electrochemical series to the metal lower down
How can a half cell be produced?
When 2 different metals are placed in a solution of their own ions and connected by a salt bridge or ion bridge
What is the purpose of the salt bridge?
To complete the circuit by allowing ions to flow through it
When forming electrochemical half cells, which ionic solutions could be used?
Ionic solutions with free moving ions, which means they must be soluble in water in order to dissolve and become free moving
How do we balance redox equations?
By multiplying the equations appropriately
What is an oxidation reaction?
A reaction where a substance loses electrons
