Electrochemistry Flashcards

1
Q

Define the term electrochemistry.

A

The interconversion of electrical + chemical energy.

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2
Q

How is this interconversion achieved?

A

Batteries: producing electricity from a chemical reaction.
Electrolysis: forcing an unfavourable reaction to occur by applying a voltage.

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3
Q

Define what is meant by a redox reaction.

A

Loss of electrons from one species + their gain by another species.

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4
Q

What are the SI units of electrochemistry?

A
  • Electric charge: coloumb C.
  • Electric current (I): amps A (1A = 1Cs-1)
  • Potenital difference: volts V (V = I x R)
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5
Q

What is an electrochemical cell?

A

Two half cells in each of which a particular redox reaction is occurring.

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6
Q

What is a galvanic cell?

A

An electrochemical cell that produces electricity as a result of a spontaneous reaction.

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7
Q

What is an electrolytic cell?

A

A non-spontaneous reaction is forced by an external source of current.

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8
Q

What is a fuel cell?

A

A galvanic cell in which reagents are supplied continuously.

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9
Q

What is a gas electrode?

A

A gas is in equilibrium with a solution of its ions in the presence of an inert metal.
The metal acts as a conductor AND a catalyst.

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10
Q

What is a redox electrode?

A

An inert metal in a solution in which a species exists in two oxidation states.
The metal acts as a conductor.

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11
Q

What is a metal/metal ion electrode?

A

A piece of metal in contact with a solution that contains ions of the same metal e.g. Daniell Cell.

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12
Q

What is a metal-insoluble salt electrode?

A

A metal coated with an insoluble salt of the same metal e.g. silver-silver chloride.

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13
Q

What is a calomel electrode?

A

An alternative reference electrode.

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14
Q

What is a glass electrode?

A

An ion-selective electrode, specific for H+ ions. An Ag/AgCl electrode is immersed in a buffer solution, when the electrode is placed in a solution whose pH is different from that of the buffer, a potential difference develops.

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15
Q

Outline the events at the anode (4).

A

Oxidation occurs.
Negative.
Loss of electrons which travel through the external circuit.
Left hand side.

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16
Q

Outline the events at the cathode (4).

A

Reduction occurs.
Positive.
Gain of electrons.
Right hand side.

17
Q

Outline the role of the salt bridge.

A

Completes the circuit + allows ions to move, ensuring that the electrolyte solutions remain neutral.

18
Q

For electrochemical cell notation, what does a comma denote?

A

A comma denotes two species in the same phase.

19
Q

How do we use standard reduction potentials? (Equations).

A

RHS Cathode:
Aox + ne- –> Ared
Eo (Aox/Ared)

LHS Anode:
Bred –> Box + ne-
Eo = -Eo (Box/Bred)

Overall: RHS - LHS
Eo(cell): Eo(Aox/Ared) - Eo(Box/Bred)

20
Q

Outline the reactions in a H2 fuel cell.

A

Anode: H2 –> 2H+ + 2e-
Cathode: 1/2O2 + 2H+ +2e- –> H2O
Overall: 2H2 + O2 –> 2H2O

21
Q

State the equation for gibbs free energy change (∆G) and annotate.

A

∆G = -nFE

n: number of electrons transferred
F: Faraday constant
E: standard cell potential

22
Q

State the equation that combines standard cell potential + equilibrium constant.

A

lnK = nF/RT Eocell

23
Q

What values for this equation favour products/reactants?

A

Products: E > 0, lnK > 0, K > 1

Reactants: E < 0, lnK < 0, K < 1

24
Q

State the Nernst equation and annotate.

A

Ecell = Eocell - RT/nF lnQ

Ecell: cell potential
Eocell: standard cell potential
R: ideal gas constant
T: temperature in K
n: number moles of electrons
F: Faraday constant
Q: reaction quotient
25
Q

State why ions in solution are not ideal (3).

A
  • Do not move independently of one another
  • Are surrounded by an ionic atmosphere
  • Have attractive and repulsive interactions (described the activity coefficient gamma)
26
Q

What is the result of ideals being not ideal?

A

Solutions behave less concentrated than they are due to the non-ideal affects of ions.

27
Q

State the equation used when identifying changes in Eo/Gibbs free energy.

A

∆S = nF (E’ - E)/T’ - T

28
Q

What is an electrolytic cell?

A

An electric current is used to drive a non-spontaneous reaction. There is one electrolyte, both electrodes are in one compartment.

29
Q

Give two examples of electrolytic cells.

A
  1. Molten salts with inert graphite electrodes.

2. Soluble salts with copper electrodes.

30
Q

Define electrolysis of water.

A

The decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen gas, due to an electric current being passed through the water.
At 25oC and pH 7, the potential needed is 1.23V.