Electrochemistry Flashcards
What is an electrochemical cell?
A device that is capable of making electrical energy from a chemical reaction.
What energy change takes place in a chemical cell?
chemical energy -> electrical energy
What is a battery?
Many chemical cells joined together.
What is a chemical cell made up of?
two DIFFERENT metals and salt solution.
what does the salt solution act as?
an electrolyte
what is an electrolyte
an electrolyte is a solution containing ions
what is the purpose of an electrolyte?
to complete the circuit, allowing electrons to flow through the wire and the ions to flow through the solution.
what is the flow of electrons known as?
electric current
the energy that pushes the electrons around the circuit is known as?
the voltage
what do metals tend to give away when they become ions?
electrons
What is the electrochemical series?
A list of metals arranged in order of how easily the metal atoms lose electrons.
what metals lose their metals easily?
the more reactive metals.
What are cells/batteries rated by?
VOLTAGE not current.
The electrochemical series can be used to make predictions about
1 The direction of electron flow
2 The size of the voltage
true or false: electrons always flow from the metal high in the electrochemical to the metal low?
true
