Electrochemistry

CHM 127
SYLLABUS THEME 5
9th Ed: Chapter 19 (P712 -761), 19.3 excluded
8th Ed: Chapter 20 (P894 - 944), 20.3 excluded

Do at home: Study P712 – 761 and do class exercises “End-of

Chapter” questions: See ClickUP
no. 9, 11, 13 (not in 8st Ed), 19(15), 21(17), 29(25), 31(27), 33(29),
35(33), 37(35), 39(37), 47(43), 51(47), 55(51), 57(53), 69(65),
71(67), 81(77), 87(83), 99(93)
 Electrochemistry
Fields of interest
• Batteries
• Corrosion
• Chemical synthesis
• Extraction of metals
• Sun energy cells
• Metal plating
• Sensors
• Life!
 Electrochemistry
Why study electrochemistry?
1) 95% of all chemical reactions based on the flow of
electrons
2) Gibbs free energy visualized: electrical work is done
during a redox reaction. Electrical potential differences
help us to determine thermodynamic properties
3) How can chemical energy be used effectively? How can we
make planet earth a better place to live on?

Content:
• Basic concepts
• Electrochemical cells (standard & non standard)
• Electrochemistry and thermodynamics
• Counting moving electrons and cost of electricity cost
calculations
19.1Electrochemistry(electron transfer)

Cu(s) + 2 AgNO3(aq)  Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + 2Ag(s)

Net ionic
Cu oxidized, oxidation number equation –
increases
Cu is the reducing agent
without spectator
ions (NO3–)
Cu(s) + 2 Ag+(aq)  Cu2+ (aq) + 2Ag(s)

Ag+ reduced, oxidation number decreases

AgNO3 is the oxidizing agent
 The nicad battery uses the following redox
reaction to generate electricity.
Identify the substance that are oxidized and
reduced, and indicate which is the oxidising
agent and which is the reducing agent
Cd(s) + NiO2(s) +H2O(l) Cd(OH)2(s) + Ni(OH)2(s)

5
 Electron transfer
OXIDATION—loss of electron(s) by a species; increase in
oxidation number.
REDUCTION—gain of electron(s); decrease in oxidation number.
OXIDIZING AGENT—electron acceptor; species contains element
which is reduced.
REDUCING AGENT—electron donor; species contains element
which is oxidized.
OXIDATION STATES (NUMBERS) – to keep track of which looses
and which gains
 Direct redox reactions
Oxidizing- and reducing agent
are in direct contact

Cu2+(aq) + Zn(s)  Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq)

No electrical work – just an incrs in temp arise

Indirect redox reactions

Oxidizing and reducing agents NOT in
direct contact
Must transfer e- via external circuit –
harnesses electrical work
Cu2+(aq) + Zn(s)  Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq)
GALVANIC or VOLTAIC cell.
 Chemical Change & Electric Current

With time, Cu plates out onto Zn

metal strip, and Zn strip
“ disappears.”

Electrons are transferred from Zn to

Cu2+, but there is no useful electric
current.

Oxidation: Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e−

Reduction: Cu2+(aq) + 2e−  Cu(s)

Cu2+(aq) + Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

 Chemical Change & Electric Current

 To obtain a current that

can do work, the
oxidizing and reducing
agents are separated so
that electron transfer
occurs via an external
wire.
This is accomplished in a GALVANIC or
VOLTAIC cell.
A group of such cells is called a battery.
 Voltaic- / galvanic cells Electrolytic cells
Starts at chemical reaction in cell Starts at source of electrical
energy
Chemical energy converted to Electrical energy converted to
electrical energy chemical energy
SPONTANEOUS (working) NON-SPONTANEOUS
rG°< 0 (-) kJ, k>1 rG°> 0 (+) kJ, k<1
E°>0 (+) Volt E°<0 (-) Volt

A battery is needed to
“drive” the chemical
reaction

Flow of current is spontaneous and

the volt meter only “measures” it
 Simple Voltaic Cells − Key Components
• Salt Bridge (NaNO3)
– These ions do not react (neutralize charge)
– Anions migrate toward anode
– Cations migrate toward cathode

• Anode—oxidation—(negative)
– Both begin with vowel

• Cathode—reduction—(positive)
– Both begin with a consonant

• Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode

19.2 Simple Voltaic cell (P723)
electrons flow in the external conductor
Cu ions gain 2e
Fe metal atoms looses 2e
& Cu deposit on
& dissolves
electrode
Mass of electrode? – + Mass of electrode ?

Fe(s)  Fe2+(aq) + 2e–

Oxidation half cell
ANODE (- )
With time  more +
than – ions in the
oxidation half cell
Cu2+(aq) + 2e–  Cu(s)
Reduction half cell
CATHODE (+)
NO3– ions migrate through the salt
bridge
 Cell Potential, E
Why do electrons transfer spontaneously from Zn
to Cu2+ either directly or indirectly?
1.10 V

1.0 M 1.0 M

• Electrons are “driven” from anode to cathode by an

electromotive force or emf. The forces that causes e’s to move
• For Zn/Cu cell, this is indicated by a voltage of 1.10 V at 25 °C
and when [Zn2+] and [Cu2+] = 1.0 M.
 19.4 Electromotive Force (Emf) P734
EMF means literally the “force causing electrons to move
Incrs in entropy of the universe = spontaneous = voltaic cell

Result of difference in Potential

energy of e- at the two
electrodes.
Equated with cell voltage, Ecell
measured by connecting a voltmeter
in the external circuit.
1𝐽
1𝑉 = 𝑜𝑟 1 𝐽 = 1 𝑉 × 1𝐶
1𝐶
Emf has units of volt (V): One Volt is the potential
difference needed to impart one Joule of energy to an
electric charge of one Coulomb ( 1V = 1J/1C)
A cell rxn that is spontaneous, the cell potential will be positive
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Standard electrode Potentials

Standard conditions:

► 1 1 M concentration
► 2 1 bar pressure (105 Pa)
► 3 Temperature usually at 25ºC

Measure all electrode potentials against the same half-cell

Standard Hydrogen Electrode: 2H+ (aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g)
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
F-

Standard Reduction Potentials

Values given in APPENDIX M are
potentials for “reduction reactions”

The hydrogen half cell

with V = 0.0 V

Li+
20
Oxidized or reduced?
Standard Reduction Potentials
• In a cell where the SHE is connected to an electrode
with a lower reduction potential, the SHE is “forced”
to be the cathode (reduction):
2 H+(aq, 1 M) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g, 1 atm)

OR
• In a cell where the SHE is connected to an electrode
with a higher reduction potential, the SHE is “forced”
to be the anode (oxidation):
H2(g, 1 atm) ⇌ 2 H+(aq, 1 M) + 2e-
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Question 1 (See Fig 19.4 (P736, 737))
Which of the following reagents is the strongest oxidizing agent?
Br2 Cl2 O2 Fe3+ Li+
+1.08 V +1.36 V +1.229 V + 0.771 V -3.045V
+2.87 V

Standard Reduction Potentials

With reference to
Appendix M A-34 (A-32)

H2/H+ half cell

–3.045 V
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Zn/Zn2+ with the SHE Standard Reduction Potentials
2H+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) 0.0 V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s) - 0.763 V

Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e–

Oxidation - Anode

2 H+(aq) + 2e-  H2(g)

Reduction - Cathode

provide e’s receive e’s

Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Zn/Zn2+ with SHE
Standard Reduction Potentials
2H+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) 0.0 V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s) - 0.763 V

H2 will be more easily reduced (stronger oxidizing

agent) than Zn
Eored for Zn2+(aq) + 2e- Zn is – 0.76 V (lower than H2)
Zn is a weaker oxidizing agent than H2
Total reaction is reduction of H+ and oxidation of Zn metal
Zn(s) + 2H+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) Eo = +0.76 V
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Cu/Cu2+ with the SHE Standard Reduction Potentials
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) + 0.337 V
2H+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) 0.0 V

Cu2+(aq) + 2e–  Cu(s)

Reduction - Cathode
H2(g)  2H+(aq) + 2e-
Oxidation - Anode
receive e’s provide e’s
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”
Cu/Cu2+ with SHE
Standard Reduction Potentials
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) + 0.337 V
2H+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g) 0.0 V

Cu2+ will be more easily reduced (stronger oxidizing

agent) than H2
Eored for Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu is + 0.34 V (higher than H2)
Cu2+ is a stronger oxidizing agent than H2

Total reaction is reduction of Cu2+ and oxidation of H2 gas

Cu2+(aq) + H2(g)  Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) Eo = 0.34 V
Ability to oxidize or reduce – a “competition”

Eored (V)

Reduction half cell

Cu2+(aq) + 2e-  Cu(s) +0.34 with SHE

2 H+(aq) + 2e-  H2(g) 0.0 (defined)

Oxidation half cell
Zn2+(aq) + 2e-  Zn(s) –0.76 with SHE
The Salt bridge
Function of the salt
bridge: balancing of Standard Reduction Potentials
charge of ions Fe2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Fe(s) - 0.44 V
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) + 0.337 V
Cell Potential
This potential is a measure of the
energy per unit charge which is available
from the oxidation/reduction reactions to
drive the reaction.
The maximum voltage which
can be produced between the
electrodes of the cell is
determined by the standard
electrode potentials under
the standard
conditions under which those
potentials are defined. 29
Cell notation
Electrode material
Electrode material Aqueous species Aqueous species

Zn(s)|Zn2+(aq, 1 M) || Cu2+(aq, 1 M)|Cu(s)

Anode half cell Cathode half cell

• Anode before cathode

• Single vertical line indicates
change in phase
• Reagents before products
• Concentrations in brackets
• Double vertical line 
attachment (salt bridge)
Calculating cell potential
Standard Reduction Potentials
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) + 0.337 V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s) - 0.763 V

∘ ∘ ∘
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸𝑟𝑒𝑑 (𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒) – 𝐸𝑟𝑒𝑑 (𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒)
= +0.34 V – (–0.76 V)
= +1.10 V
Not on formula
sheet!!! or
Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e– 𝑬∘𝒐𝑿 = + 0.76 V

Cu2+(aq) + 2e–  Cu(s) 𝑬∘𝒓𝒆𝒅 = + 0.34 V

Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)Zn2+(aq)+Cu(s) 𝑬∘𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = + 1.10 V

Positive 𝑬∘𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍  spontaneous as written

Calculating cell potential
Changing the stoichiometric coefficients
when determining the balanced redox
equation DOES NOT CHANGE the E°red
value!!!! E° (in Volts) does not depend on
the quantity of material or number of
electrons.
E° is an INTENSIVE quantity

Zn2+(aq) + 2e-  Zn(s) –0.76

(x 3) 3Zn2+(aq) + 6e-  3Zn(s) –0.76
???
Question 2
Consider the following voltaic cell:
MnO4-(aq)/Mn2+(aq) E°red = +1.51V
Br2(l)/Br-(aq) E°red = + 1.08V
a) Calculate cell potential (E°cell) for the reaction taking place
b) Give the cell notation

34
Question 4
Will chromium(III) ions oxidize copper metal to copper(II)
ions to produce chromium metal at standard conditions?

Question 5
a) Pt|H2(g, 1 bar)|OH–(aq, 1 M)∥O2(g, 1 bar)|Pt|OH–(aq, 1 M) which produces about 1.2
V at 25°C, has been used to produce electric power on some space missions. What is
the cell reaction?
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
(P747-751)
In a voltaic cell, the decrease in internal energy in the
system will manifest itself ideally as electrical work done
on the surroundings by the system. (in practice, also heat)
Work = charge × potential difference
w = Q×V (1 J = 1 Coulomb × 1 Volt = 1 C · V)
In electrochemistry the charge (Q) depends on the moles
of electrons that flow: Q = n x Coulomb/mole
Faraday constant (𝐹) is 96485 C/mol e–
Therefore, for a redox reaction, Q = 𝑛𝐹
And maximum work is the Gibbs free energy change, G°
𝐺 ∘ = 𝑤 = −𝑄𝑉 = −𝑛𝐹𝐸° (work done by the system –
Voltaic cell P 748)
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
𝑮∘ 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬° ( Example 19.9 P747-751)
𝑮∘ = −𝒏𝑭𝑬°
For a product-favored reaction (spontaneous)
• ∆𝑮𝒐 < 𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 therefore 𝑬𝒐 > 𝟎
• Voltaic cell
• The more + values are for 𝑬°, the more – values are
for 𝑮∘ (more product favored at equilibrium)

For a reactant-favored reaction (non-spontaneous)

• ∆𝑮𝒐 > 𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝑬𝒐 < 𝟎
• Electrolytic cell
• The more - values are for 𝑬°, the more + values are
for 𝑮∘ (more reactant favored at equilibrium)
Question 6
Calculate the standard Gibbs free energy change in kJ at 25℃ for the
next reaction as written:
3Sn4+ + 2Cr → 3Sn2+ + 2Cr3+

40
19.5 Electrochemical cells under
non-standard conditions (P744-747)
Changing concentrations of reactants and products (as well
as temperature) will affect the cell potential AND a cell is
very seldom at standard conditions!!
Given:
𝑮 = 𝑮˚ + 𝑹𝑻 ln 𝑸 𝐺 = −𝑛𝐹𝐸 𝐺˚ = −𝑛𝐹𝐸𝑜
𝑅𝑇 Nernst equation
𝐸= 𝐸∘ − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛𝐹
𝑅𝑇
In essence, the term 𝑛𝐹 𝑙𝑛𝑄
“corrects” the standard potential E°
for non-standard conditions or
concentrations – units is volt 1864 - 1941
 19.5 Electrochemical cells under
non-standard conditions (P744-747)
𝑅𝑇
𝐸= 𝐸∘ − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛 𝐹 By 25°C
𝑅𝑇
= 0.0257
𝐹
0.0257
𝐸= 𝐸∘ − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛

𝑬∘𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍= 𝑬∘𝒓𝒆𝒅
𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒆 ∘
– 𝑬𝒓𝒆𝒅
𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝐶 𝑐 𝐷𝑑
𝑄= 𝑎 𝑏
(from REDUCTION Potential Table) 𝐴 𝐵
𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝑨 + 𝒃𝑩 ⇌ 𝒄𝑪 + 𝒅𝑫
 19.5 Electrochemical cells under
non-standard conditions (P744-747)

∘
0.0257
𝐸=𝐸 − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛
𝑎𝐴 + 𝑏𝐵 ⇌ 𝑐𝐶 + 𝑑𝐷 𝐶 𝑐 𝐷𝑑
𝑄= 𝑎 𝑏
𝐴 𝐵
If Q = 1, then 𝐸 = 𝐸˚

If Q < 1, then 𝐸 higher than 𝐸˚

If Q > 1, then E lower than E˚

Question 8
A voltaic cell is set up with an aluminium electrode in a 0.025 M Al(NO3)3(aq) solution and an
iron electrode in a 0.50 M Fe(NO3)2(aq) solution.
a) Determine the cell potential Ecell at 298.15 K.
b) What will [Al3+] be, if [Fe2+] is 0.4 M and Ecell is 1.25 V?

46
Question 11
Consider the next electrochemical cell at 25 C:
Zn(s)|Zn2+(aq, 1.0 M)||H+(aq, x M)|H2(g, 1.0 bar)|Pt
Ecell = 0.522 V
(a) Calculate Q
(b) Calculate the pH in the hydrogen half-cell

50
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
𝑮∘ 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬° AND K (P747-751)
𝐺𝑜 = − 𝑛𝐹𝐸° and 𝐺𝑜 = −𝑅𝑇 ln 𝐾
−𝑛𝐹𝐸° = −𝑅𝑇 ln 𝐾
At 25𝒐C (298.15 K)
𝑛𝐹𝐸 ∘ 𝑛 𝐹 𝐸∘ constants
ln 𝐾 = ln 𝐾 =
𝑅𝑇 𝑅𝑇
You can now calculate K from 𝑮° or 𝑬𝒐
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
(P747-751)

P 749 When a voltaic cell produces an electric current, the

reactant concentrations decrease, and the product
concentrations increase. The cell voltage also changes. As
reactants are converted to products, the value of Ecell
decreases and the cell potential eventually reaches zero; no
further net reaction occurs, and equilibrium is achieved.
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
The “flat battery” See Example 19.10 P749

0.0257
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸∘ − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛

As the reaction proceeds, Q increases (more products)

E decreases (Nernst) until 𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 0
𝑟 𝐺 = −𝑛𝐹𝐸
Then 𝐺 = 0
Reaction is at equilibrium
There is no free energy to drive the electrons through
the external circuit
19.6 Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
(P747-751)
What meaning does the equilibrium constant (K)
have in electrochemical cells?
“Flat battery”
𝑅𝑇 ∘ 𝑅𝑇
𝐸=𝐸 − 𝑙𝑛𝑄 0= 𝐸∘ − 𝑙𝑛𝑘
𝑛𝐹 𝑛𝐹
Or at 25𝒐C (298.15 K)
∘ ∘ ∘
𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒 – 𝐸𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒
0.0257
∘
𝐸=𝐸 − 𝑙𝑛𝑄
𝑛
𝑛 𝐹 𝐸∘
ln 𝐾 =
𝑅𝑇
𝑛𝐸 ∘ constants
ln 𝐾 =
0.0257
At 25𝒐C (298.15 K)
Question 21
A voltaic cell is set up with Cd(s) in Cd(NO3)2(aq) and Zn(s) in
Zn(NO3)2(aq). Initially both electrodes weigh 5.00 g.
(a) After running the cell for some time, the electrode in one half-
cell weighs 4.75 g. Identify this electrode.
(b) Calculate the mass of the other electrode now.
Concentration cells
The concentration cell is the cell that has the same
species on both the cathode and the anode.
The only difference between the cathode and the
anode must be the concentration of these species in
these compartments.

HINT: Will e- flow? 61

HINT: How will Equilibrium be reached? 62
Calculate the emf under non-standard condition for the
following concentration cell

Ni2+ (aq) + 2e- → Ni(s) ----- Eored = - 0.28V

???

Anode = dilute
Cathode = conc
The half cell reactions :
Anode (LEO):
Ni2+ (aq) + 2e- → Ni(s) ----- Eored = - 0.28V
Ni(s) → Ni2+ (aq) + 2e- ----- Eoox = ????
This is the dilute compartment.

Cathode (GER)
Ni2+(aq) +2e- → Ni(s) ----- Eored = - 0.28V
This is the concentrated compartment.
The standard emf of this cell is:
Eocell = Eored(cathode) - Eored(Anode)
= -0.28V – (-0.28V)
= 0V
Eo of this cell is zero, this is an emf under standard
condition.

(i) the concentrations of the Ni2+(aq) is different in the

two compartments.
(ii) The cell will continue until the concentration in both
compartments are the same.
(iii) Then the cell will die and stop to operate.
The overall reaction:

Ni(s) → Ni2+(aq, diluted) + 2e-

Ni2+(aq, concentrated) + 2e- → Ni(s)

Ni2+(aq, concentrated) → Ni2+(aq, diluted)

We can use Nernst Equation to calculate the emf
of this cell under non-standard condition E:
n=2
At T = 298K 𝐸 = 𝐸 ∘ − 0.0257 𝑙𝑛𝑄 Eo = 0V under standard
𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
𝑛
condition and E = 0.09V
under non-standard
0.0592
EE O
 log Q condition
n
Ni2+(aq, concentrated) → Ni2+(aq, diluted) When the concentration
in the two compartments
2
0 .0592 [ Ni ]dilute are the same, then Q = 1
EE 
O
log
n [ Ni 2 ]concentrated and E = Eo = 0V
0.0592 0.001M
E  0V  log = 0.09V
2 1.00M
 19.7 Electrolysis P751
Start here!!

Using electrical energy to - +

produce chemical change
Standard Reduction Potentials
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) + 0.337 V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s) - 0.763 V

Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)

Forces a non-spontaneous
chemical reaction to take place Reduction Oxidation
Cathode Anode
Eocell = – 1.10 V
19.7 Electrolysis
Voltaic vs Electrolytic (Conventions, Tip 19.3)

Type Electrode Function Polarity

Prefers the
Anode Oxidation –
largest Ered
Voltaic potential
Cathode Reduction + difference
Prefers the
Anode Oxidation + smallest Ered
Electrolytic potential
Cathode Reduction – difference
 19.7 Electrolysis of pure liquids (P751)
E.g. Molten NaCl(ℓ) Sequence of events:
Solid NaCl does not carry charge
1. External source of electricity
makes anode positive and
+ - cathode negative.
2. Anions are attracted to the
anode
3. Anions supply the anode with
electrons (oxidation takes place)
4. Electrons flow to the cathode via
2Cℓ–  Cℓ2 + 2e– 2Na+ + 2e–  2Na the external circuit
Electrodes are inert! 5. Cations are attracted to the
∘ ∘ ∘ cathode
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸𝑟𝑒𝑑 (𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒) – 𝐸𝑟𝑒𝑑 (𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒)
= -2.71 V – (+1.36 V) 6. Cations receive electrons from
= -4.07 V the cathode (reduction)
 In the electrolysis of AgNO3:

Ag+ +e-  Ag(s)

One mole of electrons is required to produce one mole of

silver

If ne- are known, the amount of silver produced can be

calculated and vice versa 78
 19.8 Quantitative aspects – counting
electrons (P757) Example 19.2 1 mol e– : 96 485 C
Faraday’s Law of electrolysis:
The amount of product formed by an electric current is
chemically equivalent to the amount of electrons “supplied”.

SCHEME for solving these kind of problems:

Potential
Gibbs Free energy difference of cell
Energy required (J) (V)
(kJ)

W = VQ

Mass (g) which

“deposits” or Moles of Moles of Charge of
Q = nF
“dissolves” metal atoms electrons electrons (Q)
(e.g. metal Zn)
Q = It

Electric current (A or C/s) Time (s)79

 19.8 Quantitative aspects – counting
electrons (P757) Example 19.2
1 Faraday = 96 500 C/mol e– (96 485 C/mol e-)
Question 18 TAKE NOTE: This is a ½
The reaction at the anode in a lead-acid battery is reaction!
Pb(s) + HSO4-(aq)  PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e-
If a battery delivers 1.50 amp, and you have 454 g Pb, how long will the battery
last (in hours), if all the lead could be converted and it is not recharged?
[78.3 hours]
Q=Ixt 454 g Pb = 2.19 mol Pb
Q=nxF Calculate moles of e-
2 mol e−
2.19 mol Pb × = 4.38 mol e-
1 mol Pb
Calculate charge
4.38 mol e- x 96 500 C/mol e- = 423 000 C
Calculate time
𝑄 423 000 C
T= = = 282 000 s = 78 hrs
𝐼 1.50 𝑎𝑚𝑝
 19.8 Quantitative aspects – counting
electrons (P757) Example 19.2
Calculation: MASS
Question 19
2.4 amp (A) current is passed through a Cu2+(aq) solution for
30.0 minutes. What mass of copper will be deposited?
 19.8 Electrical work Gibbs free
energy!!! (∆𝒓𝑮°)
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑞𝑉 = 𝑛𝐹𝐸° (work done ON the system / cell –
electrolytic cell)
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −𝑞𝑉 = −𝑛𝐹𝐸° (work done BY the system / cell –
voltaic/galvanic cell)
Electrical work: 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒔 𝒙 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆

Calculation: cost
Question 20
In the production of aluminium metal, Al3+ is reduced to Al metal
by currents of about 50 000 A and a law potential difference of
4.0 V.
(a) Calculate how much electrical power (in kWh) is needed to
produce 2000. metric tons aluminium metal.
Question 23
What current is needed to plate 0.86 g chromium from its
Cr2(SO4)3 solution in 12.5 min?

85
A constant electric current deposits 0.3650 g of silver metal in 12960
seconds from a solution of silver nitrate. What is the current? What is
the half reaction for the deposition of silver?

1) Determine moles of silver deposited:

2) Determine moles of electrons required:

3) Determine Coulombs of charge that 0.00338376 mol e¯ represents:

4) Determine current (remember that 1 A = 1 C/sec): 87

A constant current of 0.912 A is passed through an electrolytic
cell containing molten MgCl2 for 14.5 h. What mass of Mg is
produced?

89