Electrochemistry Flashcards
what is a redox reaction
one in which one or more electrons are transferred
what is oxidation
loss of electrons
what is reduction
gain of electrons
oilrig
oxidation is loss, reduction is gain
what is the oxidizing agent
a substance which gains electrons and is therefore reduced
what is the reducing agent
a substance which loses electrons and is therefore oxidized
what is specified with oxidizing and reducing agents
the WHOLE COMPOUND
rules for balancing redox reactions
1) balance O
2) balance H
3) balance charges
what is electrochemistry
the study of the interchange of chemical and electrical energy
what is a galvanic cell
an electrochemical battery powered by a redox reaction where the oxidizing and reducing agents are separated so that electrons must travel through a wire
what is the anode
electrode where oxidation occurs
what is the cathode
electrode where reduction occurs
what is a spontaneous or a non-spontaneous reaction
spontaneous= working cell
non spontaneous= not working cell
rule for reading electrochemical chart
the highest metal on the list is oxidized
