Electrochemistry

Jerry

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Definitions
Half cells
When a rod of metal is dipped into a solution of its own ions, an equilibrium
is set up. This arrangement is called an electrode or half cell.

If you could measure this potential, it would tell us how readily electrons
are released by the metal, that is, how good a reducing agent the metal is.

However, electrical potential cannot be measured

directly.

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Definitions
Salt bridge
The simplest form of which is a piece of
filter paper soaked in a solution of salt.

Use voltmeter to measure the potential

difference.

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Hydrogen electrode
Standard electrode
To compare the tendency of different metals to release electrons, a
standard electrode is needed to which any other half cell can be connected
for comparison.

The electrode is used under standard conditions of [H(aq)] = 1.00 mol dm-
3 pressure 100 kPa, and temperature 298K. And it’s potential is 0.

Electromotive force E (emf).

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Electrochemical series

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Representing cells
• A vertical solid line indicates a phase boundary, for example between a
solid and a solution.
• A double vertical line shows a salt bridge.
• The species with the highest oxidation state is written next to the salt
bridge.
• When giving the value of the emf E state the polarity (i.e. whether it is
positive or negative) of the right-hand electrode, as the cell
representation is written.

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Predicting the direction of redox reactions

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Electrochemical cells
Non-rechargeable cells
Zinc/Popper cells
Zinc/carbon cells

Rechargeable batteries

Lead-acid batteries

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Electrochemical cells
Rechargeable batteries

Nickel/Cadmium

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Electrochemical cells
Rechargeable batteries

Lithium ion

Alkaline hydrogen-oxygen fuel

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Thank you

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