ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS Flashcards
Define the galvanic cell
a cell in which chemical energy is converted to electrical
energy
Oxidation in terms of electron transfer
a loss of electrons.
reduction in terms of electron (e-
) transfer:
Reduction is a gain of electrons
Define oxidation in terms of oxidation numbers:
Oxidation: an increase in oxidation number
reduction in terms of oxidation numbers:
a decrease in oxidation number
Oxidising agent
a substance that is reduced/gains electrons.
Anode:
the electrode where oxidation takes place
Reducing agent:
a substance that is oxidised/loses electrons.
Cathode:
the electrode where reduction takes place
Define an electrolyte
as a substance of which the aqueous solution contains ions OR a
substance that dissolves in water to give a solution that conducts electricity.
Define the electrolytic cell
a cell in which electrical energy is converted into chemical
energy
Electrolysis:
The chemical process in which electrical energy is converted to
chemical energy
