Electrode potentials and cells Flashcards
1
Q
how many reactions take place in an electrochemical cell?
A
2
oxidation and reduction
2
Q
what is the cell potential (EMF)?
A
the difference in voltage between the 2 half cells
electrons flow through the wire from the most reactive metal to the least
3
Q
what happens at each electrode in a cell?
A
reactions are reversible
which direction they go in depends on how easily each metal is oxidised (loses electrons)
how easily a metal is oxidised is measured using electrode potentials
a metal that is easily oxidised has a very negative electrode potential, while one that is harder to oxidise has a more positive electrode potential
4
Q
equation for calculating cell potential
A
cell potential = right - left
5
Q
A
