ELECTRODE POTENTIALS AND

ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

Half cells:
 If you dip a metal rod in a solution of Its own ions, an equilibrium is created.
 An example would be if you were to dip zinc into zinc sulfate solution, an equilibrium
will be created. Zn(s) Zn2+ +2e-
 This equilibrium reaction that is occurring is called an electrode because 2 half cells
can combine to produce an electrical cell.
 If you are able to measure the electrode potential of the half-cell, then you can
determine the ability of the metal on how readily it can be able to release electrons.
 It is difficult to measure the potential difference directly. However, what are able to
do is connect 2 distinct electrodes and measure the potential difference by using a
voltmeter.
 You can use the zinc and copper electrodes.

 A salt bridge is used to

complete the salt bridge. It is made of filter paper and is soaked with saturated
potassium nitrate.
 Salt bridges are used instead of metal wires to prevent metal ions potential in the
circuit.
 Electrons will flow from the most reactive metal to the least reactive metal, in this
example the electrons will flow from zinc to copper.
 Zinc electrode will be negative which indicates that zinc is a better reducing agent
than copper.
 Zinc will dissolve to form zinc ion which has a 2+ charge in aqueous solution. This will
increase the concentration of zinc ion.
 Copper ion will have a deposit of fresh copper on the rod which will reduce the
concentration of the copper ion.
 Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
The hydrogen electrode:
 In order to compare the ability of distinct metals to release electrons, a standard
electrode is required to which any half-cell can be connected they can generate
electricity.

 The half-cell chosen is called the standard hydrogen electrode.

 The electrode is used under standard conditions. Pressure has to be at 100Kpa,

temperature at 298K and the concentration of H+(aq) has to be 1 moldm-3.

 An unreactive platinum rod is used as well which increases the surface area and
speeds up the rate of reaction. This means platinum is a catalyst.

 The standard hydrogen electrode is equal to 0.00v. This is because hydrogen is a gas
and does not conduct electricity.

 If you change the conditions of the half cells, such as temperature, concentration of
ions or the temperature, the electrical potential of the electrode will change.

 EMF stands for electromagnetic force. This is measured in volts and we can use E
standard values to work the potential difference between 2 half cells.

Representing cells:
 OIL RIG (OXIDATION IS LOSS REDUCTION IS
GAIN)
 A vertical solid line indicates a phase boundary, for example, between a solid and a
solution.

 A salt bridge in a conventional cell diagram noted with 2 vertical lines.

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