Electrochemistry

Question 1

Where does oxidation take place in a voltaic cell?

Answer 1

The anode

Question 2

Naturally, the species with the highest oxidation potential (lowest reduction potential) will be the _____, and the species with the highest reduction potential will be the ______.

Answer 2

Naturally, the species with the highest oxidation potential (lowest reduction potential) will be the anode, and the species with the highest reduction potential will be the cathode.

Question 3

Given the reduction potential of Ag(I) is 0.799 and the reduction potential of Cu(II) is 0.337, what is the cell potential?

Answer 3

Ag will be reduced while Cu will be oxidized. So:

E_cell = E_cathode - E_anode

E_cell = (0.799) - (0.337) = 0.462 V

Question 4

Is a positive or negative electrical potential spontaneous?

Answer 4

Positive

Question 5

Faraday’s Law regarding Gibbs Free Energy

Answer 5

ΔG = -nFE°cell

Question 6

Electrolytes

Answer 6

• Ions = electrolyte.
• Electrolytes conduct electricity by the motion of ions.
• Without electrolytes, there won’t be a circuit because electricity won’t be able to travel.