Redox Equilibria Flashcards
What is a loss of electrons called?
Oxidation.
What is a gain of electrons called?
Reduction.
How do we balance half equations?
Using H^(+) ions and water.
What convention do we use when we draw electrochemical cells?
We put the cathode on the left, the anode on the right, with two parallel lines between them to represent a salt bridge. We put a single line between any phase changes.
How do we usually write half equations for electrode reactions?
As reduction reactions.
How do we calculate the emf of a cell?
Take the left hand side electrode potential from the right hand side electrode potential.
What is commonly used as an electrode, and why?
Platinum or graphite, because they are inert.
When can we use an electrode of the same metal as the ions in the solution?
When they are being oxidised/reduced from/to the solid state.
What is the standard electrode potential of a half-cell?
The voltage measured under standard conditions when the half-cell is connected to a standard hydrogen electrode.
What must the concentration of a solution be when measuring the standard electrode potential of a half cell?
1.00 mol dm^(-3)
On which side must the standard hydrogen electrode always be placed?
The left.
What electrode is used in a standard hydrogen electrode?
Platinum.
Why are the conditions important when measuring standard electrode potentials?
As the reactions at each electrode are reversible, the equilibrium position can ba affected by temperature, pressure and concentration. Any change in equilibrium position will change the cell potential. To be able to compare cell potentials, we must always measure them under standard conditions.
How are standard electrode potentials usually listed?
As an electrochemical series.
Do good oxidising agents have more negative, or more positive electrode potentials?
More positive.
