Electrochemical Cells Flashcards
What part of an electrochemical cell conducts electricity between the cell and its surroundings?
Electrode
In an electrochemical cell, what is the mix of ions that carries the charge?
Electrolyte
What is the electrode where oxidation occurs?
Anode
What is the electrode where reduction occurs?
Cathode
What type of electrochemical cell uses a spontaneous redox reaction to generate energy?
Voltaic
What type of electrochemical cell uses electrical energy to drive a nonspontaneous chemical reaction?
Electrolytic
ΔG is negative for a voltaic or electrolytic cell?
Voltaic
ΔG is positive for a voltaic or electrolytic cell?
Electrolytic
What is the difference in electrical potential between two electrodes of an electrochemical cell called?
The cell potential (E cell)
AKA electromotive force or voltage
When E cell is positive, is the reaction spontaneous?
Yes
When E cell is negative, is the reaction spontaneous?
No, it is non-spontaneous
When E cell = 0, is the reaction spontaneous?
The reaction is at equilbrium
Do electrons spontaneously flow toward the electode with the more positive or negative electrical potential?
Positive
What is the cell potential measured with components in their standard states?
Standard cell potential (E°cell)
What is the unit of electrical potential?
Volt (V)
Does a reaction occur more readily with a positive or negative E° cell value?
Positive
What is the cell potential of a half-cell called?
Electrode potential or standard reduction potential
When a standard reduction potential is more negative, is the component a stronger reducing or oxidizing agent?
Stronger reducing agent
This means it is oxidized
When a standard reduction potential is more positive, is the component a stronger reducing or oxidizing agent?
Stronger oxidizing agent
This means it is reduced
What is the formula for the E° cell from the E°cathode and E°anode?
E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode
In a voltaic cell, is the less active metal the anode or the cathode?
Cathode
In a voltaic cell, is the more active metal the anode or the cathode?
Anode
What is the formula for ΔG from E cell?
ΔG rxn = -nFEcell
n = moles of electrons transferred
F = Faraday’s constant, 96485 C
What is the standard electrode potential measured against?
The stnadard hydrogen electrode (SHE)
H2(g) -><- 2H+ (aq) + 2e-
