Electrochemistry Flashcards
Electrochemistry
the branch of chemistry that deals with electricity-related applications of oxidation reduction reactions
Half Cell
A single electrode immersed in a solution (electrolyte) of its ions
Electrode
A conductor used to establish electrical contact with a non-metallic part of a circuit, such as an electrolyte
Anode
electrode where oxidation occurs
Cathode
electrode where reduction occurs
Voltaic Cells
use spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions to convert chemical energy to electrical energy
Zinc Carbon Dry Cells
batteries such as those used in flashlights, cells consist of a zinc container, which serves as an anode, filled with a moist paste of MnO2, carbon black, NH4CL, and ZnCl2.
Alkaline Batteries
batteries found in a portable compact, disc player, or other small electronic device are frequently alkaline dry cells. Cells do not have a carbon rod cathode, as in the zinc-carbon cell.
Mercury Batteries
tiny batteries found in hearing aids, calculators, and camera flashes. The anode half-reaction is identical to that found in the alkaline dry cell. However, the cathode, or reduction, half-reaction is different.
Corrosion
Is the loss of metal resulting from an oxidation-reduction reaction of the metal with substances in the environment
Cathode Protection
Zinc is more easily oxidized than iron so it will react before the iron is oxidized
Sacrificial Anode
When galvanizing metal the more easily oxidized metal is used
Electrical potential
A measure of a cell’s ability to produce electrical current
Reduction Potential
the tendency of a given half reduction to occur as a reduction
Cell potential
the difference between the reduction potentials of the two half cells
electrolytic cell
if electrolytic energy is required to produce a redox reaction and bring about a chemical change in an electrochemical cell
Electroplating
an electrolytic process in which a metal ion is reduced and a solid metal is deposited on the surface
electrolysis
the process of passing current through a cell for which the cell potential is negative and causing an oxidation-reduction reaction to occur
What is used to keep two half-cells apart but allow charges to flow
A salt bridge or porous barrier
In an electrochemical cell, electrons are generated at the
Anode
What happens with the cathode and anode touch?
A transfer of heat accompanies the electron transfer
The electrolysis of water results in?
water and oxygen
What type of overall reaction occurs in an electrolytic cell?
Oxidation reduction and non spon
What element is extracted by way of the electrolysis of bauxite
Aluminum
What are the two main reasons we use lithium in batteries?
It is extremely lightweight and has a ton of energy
What are the benefits of a fuel cell over other types of batteries?
It can be recharged
