electrochemical cells Flashcards
What is a half cell?
half an electrochemical cell, made up of an electrode (platinum or using the metal itself) in a solution containing aqueous ions
What makes up an electrochemical cell?
2 half cells
salt bridge
voltmeter
wire
What does the salt bridge contain?
KNO3/NaNO3
What is the role of the salt bridge?
allows the transfer of ions/charge
What is the electrode potential of a cell?
a value that tells us how easily the half cell is to be oxidised
What will the most negative half cell undergo?
oxidation
What will the most positive half cell undergo?
reduction
whats SHE
Standard Hydrogen Electrode
used as a reference for electrode potential values
What is the set up of the SHE?
Pt electrode
1mol dm3 H+ ions in solution
298K
100kPa
What are the standard conditions for electrochemical cells?
100kPa
298K
1 mol dm-3 ions
What is the function of the porous separator in a chemical cell (battery)?
salt bridge - allows transfer of ions
What happens to the chemical reaction when a cell is recharged?
it is reversed
Why are some chemical cells non-rechargeable?
reaction cannot be reversed
reaction produces a gas
Why does the metal case of some chemical cells break down over time?
the metallic case is a reactant and gets used up
What happens to cell emf over time?
decreases as reactants get used up