ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Galvanic/Voltaic & Electrolytic Cells

 Review…
Redox reaction are those involving the
oxidation and reduction of species.

OIL  Oxidation is Loss

RIG  Reduction is Gain

NOTE: Oxidation and reduction must occur

together.
They cannot exist alone.
Let’s Look at the
REDOX Reaction
between Zinc and
Copper

Oxidation
Half-Reaction:
Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2 e–.
Reduction
Half-Reaction:
Cu2+(aq) + 2 e–  Cu(s)
 Voltaic Cells
►If the two half–reactions can
be separated, this flow of
electrons, instead of occurring
at the surface of the metal,
occurs through an external
wire and an electric current is
generated
►Oxidation occurs at the
anode & reduction occurs at
the cathode
►AN OIL RIG CAT
►A battery is a set of voltaic
cells that are connected in
parallel. 
 Voltaic Cells
► Interactive:
Classroom Resources | Galvanic/Voltaic Cells
| AACT (teachchemistry.org)
 Some Vocabulary…
► Electrodes: A solid strip that is a good
conductor of electricity (may be part of
reaction or may be inert)
► Electrolyte: A substance that
dissociates into ions in solution and
acquires the capacity to conduct
electricity.
► .Anode: The electrode where oxidation
takes place
► Cathode: The electrode where
reduction takes place.
► Salt Bridge: A strip of filter paper or
U-tube containing an ionic compound
used to maintain the charge balance
 Analogy for Voltaic Cells….
►A good analogy for the
flow of electrons is the
flow of water. Water flows
spontaneously downhill.

► Dams and waterwheels are

examples of ways that the
energy of flowing water is
tapped to generate power.
 Redox Reactions as a Source of
Power
► In
order for a redox reaction to serve as a
source of power, the reaction must be
spontaneous.

► Q: What if the reaction is not spontaneous?

► Inthis case, we can use electricity to make

the reaction “go”.
 Redox Reactions as a Source of
Power
► A:In this case, we can use electricity to
make the reaction “go”.
► This is much like using a pump to make
water flow uphill.
 Electrolytic Cells
► An electrolytic cell is a
device which uses electricity
to drive a non–spontaneous
redox reaction.
► Can be used to reverse
what is being oxidised and
what is being reduced.
► Often used to decompose
chemical compounds e.g.
splitting water into H2 and
O2
► The vertical lines in the
centre represent a
diaphragm that keeps the
products separated.
 Electrolytic Cells
Interactive: Electrolysis (pearsoncmg.com)