Electrochemistry Flashcards
Define the term electrochemistry.
The interconversion of electrical + chemical energy.
How is this interconversion achieved?
Batteries: producing electricity from a chemical reaction.
Electrolysis: forcing an unfavourable reaction to occur by applying a voltage.
Define what is meant by a redox reaction.
Loss of electrons from one species + their gain by another species.
What are the SI units of electrochemistry?
- Electric charge: coloumb C.
- Electric current (I): amps A (1A = 1Cs-1)
- Potenital difference: volts V (V = I x R)
What is an electrochemical cell?
Two half cells in each of which a particular redox reaction is occurring.
What is a galvanic cell?
An electrochemical cell that produces electricity as a result of a spontaneous reaction.
What is an electrolytic cell?
A non-spontaneous reaction is forced by an external source of current.
What is a fuel cell?
A galvanic cell in which reagents are supplied continuously.
What is a gas electrode?
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.
What is a redox electrode?
An inert metal in a solution in which a species exists in two oxidation states.
The metal acts as a conductor.
What is a metal/metal ion electrode?
A piece of metal in contact with a solution that contains ions of the same metal e.g. Daniell Cell.
What is a metal-insoluble salt electrode?
A metal coated with an insoluble salt of the same metal e.g. silver-silver chloride.
What is a calomel electrode?
An alternative reference electrode.
What is a glass electrode?
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.
Outline the events at the anode (4).
Oxidation occurs.
Negative.
Loss of electrons which travel through the external circuit.
Left hand side.