NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING

COURSE TITTLE: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS 11

(CHE445) ASSIGNMENT.

DATE: 1ST SEPTEMER, 2021.

ACADEMIC SESSION: 2020/2021.
SEMESTER: FIRST SEMESTER.
LEVEL: 400 LEVEL
Question 1 - Differentiate between electric cells and galvanic cells

SOLUTION

GALVANIC CELLS ELECTROLYTIC CELLS

1. Galvanic cell is an electrochemical
cell that produce cell that can
produce electricity using a
chemical reaction.
2. The cell converts chemical energy
into electrical energy.
3. Here, a spontaneous reaction
occurs.
4. Anode is charged negatively and
cathode is charged positively.
5. Oxidation takes place at the anode
and reduction takes place at the
cathode.
6. Half –cells are placed in different
containers connected through salt
bridges.
7. Electric energy is generated by
undergoing chemical reaction.
1. Electrolytic cell uses electric current
for the propagation of a chemical
reaction
2. It converts electrical energy into
chemical energy.
3. Here, a non-spontaneous reaction
occurs.
4. Anode is charged positively and
cathode is charged negatively.
5. Oxidation process takes place at the
cathode whereas the reduction takes
place at the anode.
6. Electrodes are placed in similar
containers in a molten or a solution
electrolyte
7. Electric energy produces a chemical
reaction with the help of an external
source.

Question 2 - What is the role of salt bridge in galvanic cells?

ANSWER
The function of salt bridge is to allow the movement of ions from one solution to the other
without mixing of the two solutions. Thus, whereas electrons flows into the outer circuit
in the wire, the inner circuit is completed by the flow of ions from one solution to the other
through salt bridge. Moreover, it helps to maintain the electrical neutrality of the
solutions in the two half cells.

Question 3 – Mention any two applications of EMF Measurement

ANSWER
1. Determination of Equilibrium Constant – Since the below relation can be
employed:
Log K = nE0cell/ 0.0591
Where:
E0 = Standard Electrode Potential
n = Number of electros transferred in half-cell Reaction.
K = Equilibrium constant for the half- cell Reaction.
 2. Determination of Solubility of sparingly soluble salt with this mathematical
relation:

Log Ksp = nE0cell/ 0.0591

Question 4 – Give one example of a primary reference electrode with its

potential value.

ANSWER
One example of primary reference electrode is Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE). Its
absolute electrode potential is estimated to be 4.44 ± 0.02V at 25oC, but to form a basis
for comparison with all other electro-reactions, it’s arbitrarily taken as Zero (0) volts.

Question 5 –

a. What are the conditions for a cell to be reversible?

b. Calculate the reduction potential of a Lead electrode in conduct with
a solution of 0.018M Pb2+ ion [STD reduction potential E0 = -0.13V]
ANSWERS
a.
Conditions For A Cell To Be Reversible
1. If the opposite EMF is exactly equal to that of cell itself, no current is
given out by the cell and no current is given out by the cell and no
chemical reaction takes place in the cell. For example:
Zn(s) | Zn2+ (aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s) [ E0 : 1.10V ].
2. If the opposing EMF is infinitesimally smaller than that of cell itself.
3. If the opposing EMF is infinitesimally greater than that of the cell itself
(Eext > E0cell), an extremely small current flows through the cell in the
opposite direction and a small amount of the chemical reaction takes
place in the reverse direction.
Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)
b.
Pb(s) | Pb2+ (aq, 0.018M ) || Pb2+ (aq, 1.0M)| Pb(s)
Using Nernst-Equation: E = E0 – (0.0592V/n)×Log Q
Where:
E0 = -0.13V
n=2
From concentration given Q = 0.018/1 =0.018
Hence, E = -0.13V – (0.0592V/2) ×Log (0.018)
E = -0.078V