Standard Potentials

Question 1

What is an electrochemical cell in which external electric energy (power) is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction forward. The overall process is the utilization of electrical energy to produce new chemical products?

Answer 1

electrolytic cell

Question 2

What are oxidizing agents?

Answer 2

 Substances that “want desperately” to be reduced, so much that they will forcefully withdraw electrons from other species so that they can be reduced

Question 3

Is the cathode for a voltaic cell positive or negative?

Answer 3

positive

Question 4

Is the standard potential positive or negative for an electrolytic cell?

Answer 4

negative

Question 5

Is the cathode for an electrolytic cell positive or negative?

Answer 5

negative

Question 6

Define voltaic cell

Answer 6

an electrochemical cell in which a spontaneous chemical reaction will drive the electrons through an external circuit. The overall process is a conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy

Question 7

Do oxidizing agents have positive or negative standard potentials?

Answer 7

positive

Question 8

What is the reaction for a standard hydrogen electrode?

Answer 8

2H+ (aq) + 2e- –> H2 (g)

Question 9

When looking at half-reactions, what side do you look on for substances that are going to be oxidized?

Answer 9

o Look on the right side to find substances that are going to be oxidized

Question 10

Is the free energy negative or positive for a voltaic cell?

Answer 10

negative

Question 11

Is the anode for a voltaic cell positive or negative?

Answer 11

negative

Question 12

Is the anode for an electrolytic cell positive or negative?

Answer 12

positive

Question 13

Is the free energy negative or positive for an electrolytic cell?

Answer 13

positive

Question 14

Is the standard potential positive or negative for a voltaic cell?

Answer 14

positive

Question 15

What can a voltaic cell also be referred to as?

Answer 15

galvanic cell or battery

Question 16

What is an electrochemical cell in which a spontaneous chemical reaction will drive the electrons through an external circuit. The overall process is a conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy?

Answer 16

voltaic cell

Question 17

What are reducing agents?

Answer 17

 Substances that “want desperately” to lose their electrons and undergo oxidation. They will “force” their unwanted electrons upon other species.

Question 18

Define electrolytic cell

Answer 18

an electrochemical cell in which external electric energy (power) is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction forward. The overall process is the utilization of electrical energy to produce new chemical products

Question 19

When looking at half-reactions, what side do you look on for substances that are going to be reduced?

Answer 19

o Look on the left side of the half-reactions for substances that are going to be reduced