Materials and Processes Flashcards
What is a cell?
A cell is a redox system containing chemicals which react together to release electrical energy
What is a cell made from?
Cell is comprised of two metals in contact with an electrolyte
How does a voltmeter work?
A voltmeter has a very high resistance, so when connected in series, it restricts current flow and measures the potential difference between electrode
What does the size of the potential difference depend upon?
The type of electrode and the concentration of the electrolyte
What is a battery?
Two or more cells connected together in series
How do you calculate total voltage of a battery?
The sum of the voltage of all cells
What are rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries batteries in which the reaction is reversible by connecting the battery to mains and reversing the current through it and all the reactants run out no more power is being outputted
What is potential difference?
It’s a measurement of the difference in reactivity between the metals used in a cell, we call these, the reference electrode and the test electrode
What two things about the electrodes affect the voltage output?
If the metals are farther apart, in the reactivity series, they will produce a greater voltage
If the test electrode is less reactive than the reference electrode, then the voltage is negative
How do you know which electrode is which?
The reference electrode is connected to a positive terminal of the voltmeter
What is a fuel cell?
An electrical cell that generates electricity as long as oxygen and fuel are supplied
What happens at the negative electrode of a hydrogen fuel cell?
-Hydrogen molecules are converted to hydrogen ions
-An oxidation reaction occurs
-Hydrogen irons travel through the electrolyte
-Electrons travel through the circuit generating current
What happens at the positive electrode in a hydrogen fuel cell?
-Hydrogen ions react with oxygen producing water
-A reduction reaction occurs
What are the advantages of a hydrogen fuel cell?
- No need to recharge
- Less toxic waste at end of life
- Only water produced
- Fuel can be added (longer lifetime)
What are the disadvantages of a hydrogen fuel cell?
- Hydrogen is explosive (must be stored safely)
- Lack of infrastructure
- Mainly produced by fossil fuels
- Electrolysis of water requires energy
What is corrosion?
A gradual destruction of materials by reactions with substances in the environment
What is rust?
Rust is hydrated iron oxides and hydroxides formed during the corrosion of iron
What does rusting require?
Rusting requires both oxygen and water.
What occurs after corrosion?
The corroded oxide layer, flakes away and allows the metal beneath it corrode
What are the two methods of protecting metals from corrosion?
Barrier and sacrificial protection
How does barrier protection work?
Oxygen and water cannot reach the surface
How does sacrificial protection work?
More reactive metal corrodes in place of the less reactive metal