SHS

General Chemistry 2
Quarter 4: Week 7 - Module 7
Standard Cell Potential,
Electrochemical Cells and
Batteries
STEM – GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2
Grade 11/12 Quarter 4: Week 7 - Module 7- Standard Cell Potential,
Electrochemical Cells and Batteries
First Edition, 2021

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 General Chemistry 2
Quarter 4: Week 7 - Module 7
Standard Cell Potential,
Electrochemical Cells and
Batteries

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 Target

Background
Electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the
interconversion of electrical energy and chemical energy.

, https://twitter.com)

We are surrounded by an amazing array of portable electronic gadgets

including cellphones, portable music players, laptop, computers, and gaming
devices. All of which, uses a variety of batteries of different sizes, compositions,
and voltages. Developing a battery that will last long enough for all-day
computing by increasing its capacity without changing its mass utilizes the
concepts of electrochemistry particularly oxidation-reduction, the chemical
process that powers the batteries.

After going through with this learning material, you are expected to:
a. Calculate the standard cell potential STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-178
b. Relate the value of the cell potential to the feasibility of using the cell
to generate an electric current STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-179

c. Describe the electrochemistry involved in some common batteries

STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-180:

1. Leclanche dry cell

2. Button batteries
3. Fuel cells
4. Lead storage battery

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 Jumpstart

In Module 6, you have learned about the concepts of oxidation-reduction.

This time we will try to investigate this process in the generation of electricity.
The application ranges from the batteries that power flashlights to the
fuel cells that may one day power our homes and
automobiles.
The designs of electrochemical cells such as
batteries requires scientists and engineers to
calculate electrical potentials in order to create
powerful and sensible energy sources.
In order for us to understand the lesson well,
unlock yourself first to the different terminologies
used in the lesson by doing the following activity.

(image credit: www.tradeindia.com)

Activity 1: Unlocking vocabularies!

Direction. Arrange the jumbled letters to form a word that is being
described in the following statements.

(OIAXIDNTO) 1. The loss of electrons. ________________________

(ECRIDNUTO) 2. The gain of electrons. _______________________

(CRETURN) 3. The flow of electrical charge. ___________________

(ETLOEHCMRCLCEIA LCEL) 4-5. A device where the generation of electricity
through redox reaction is carried out. ________________________

(LVACOTI) 6. An electrochemical cell that produces electrical current from a

spontaneous chemical reaction. ______________________

(LETIALECRC EOTPLTANI) 7-8. A measurement of the ability of a voltaic cell to

produce an electric current. __________________________________

(LCEE NIETOLPAT) 9-10. The difference in standard reduction potentials

between the two half-cells in an electro-chemical cell. _______________________

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 Discover

A. Standard Cell Potentials

The standard cell potential (E°cell) is the potential of an electrochemical
cell when the temperature is 25°C, all aqueous components are present
at a concentration of 1 M, and all gases are at the standard pressure of
1atm.

B. Determining Standard State Cell Potentials

The standard cell potential can be calculated by finding the difference
between the standard reduction potentials of the two half-cells.

Eocell = Eo reduction - Eo oxidation

To calculate the standard cell potential for a reaction

Write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions for the cell.
Look up the reduction potential, Eo reduction, for the reduction half-
reaction in a table of reduction potentials
Look up the reduction potential for the reverse of the oxidation half-
reaction and reverse the sign to obtain the oxidation potential. For
the oE - = oxidation oE reaction,-half oxidation
reduction.-half the of potentials the Add
cells to get the overall standard cellpotential.

Eocell = Eo reduction + Eo oxidation

Example 1.Calculate the standard cell for the following reaction occurring in
an electrochemical cell at 25°C.
Al(s) + NO3-(aq) + 4H+ Al3+ (aq) + NO(g) + 2H2O(l)

Write the half-reactions for each process by separating the reaction

into oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
Oxidation: Al(s) Al3+ (aq) + 3e-
Reduction: NO3-(aq) + 4H+ + 3e- NO(g) + 2H2O(l)

Look up the standard potentials for the reduction half-reaction. See Table
1: Standard Reduction Potential on page 8.
Al(s) Al3+ (aq) + 3e- Eo = -1.66 V
NO3-(aq) + 4H+ + 3e- NO(g) + 2H2O(l) Eo = 0.96 V

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 Add the half-reactions together to obtain the overall redox reaction.
Oxidation: Al(s) Al3+ (aq) + 3e- Eo = -1.66 V
Reduction: NO3-(aq) + 4H+ + 3e- NO(g) + 2H2O(l) Eo = 0.96 V
Overall: Al(s) + NO3-(aq) + 4H+ Al3+ (aq) + NO(g) + 2H2O(l)

Calculate the standard cell potential

Eocell = Eo reduction - Eo oxidation
= 0.96 V – (-1.66
V) Eocell = 2.62 V

Example 2: Find the standard cell potential for an electrochemical cell

with the following cell reaction.

Zn(s) + Cu2+ (aq) Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s)

Write the half-reactions for each process by separating the reaction into
oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
Oxidation: Zn(s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2 e-
Reduction: Cu2+(aq) + 2 e- Cu(s)

Look up the standard potentials for the reduction half-reaction. See

Table 1: Standard Reduction Potential on page 8.
Oxidation:
Zn(s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2 e- Eo = -0.76 V
Reduction: Cu2+(aq) + 2 e- Cu(s) Eo = + 0.34 V

Add the cell potentials together to get the overall standard cell potential.
Oxidation: Zn(s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e- Eo = -0.76 V
Reduction: Cu2+ (aq) + 2 e - Cu(s) Eo = + 0.34 V
overall: Zn(s) + Cu2+ (aq) Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s)

Calculate the standard cell potential

Eocell = Eo reduction - Eo oxidation
= 0.34 V – (-0.76
V) Eocell = 1.10 V

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FOR PRACTICE: Calculate the standard cell potential for the following reaction
occurring in an electrochemical cell at 25°C
3Pb2+ (aq) + 2Cr(s) 3Pb(s) + 2Cr3+ (aq)

Reduction Half-Reaction Eo (V)

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 (source: Introductory Chemistry)
Cell Potential and Electric Current
A battery uses the energy from an oxidation–reduction reaction to
produce an electric current. This is an important illustration
of electrochemistry, the study of the interchange of chemical and
electrical energy.
Electrochemistry involves two types of processes:
1. The production of an electric current from a chemical (oxidation–
reduction) reaction
2. The use of an electric current to produce a chemical change

To understand how a redox reaction can be used to generate a current,

let’s reconsider the aqueous reaction between MnO4- and Fe2+.
MnO4-(aq) + Fe2+ (aq) Fe3+ (aq) + Mn2+ (aq)
We can break this redox reaction into the following half-reactions:
Oxidation: Fe2+ (aq) Fe3+ (aq) + e-
Reduction: 8H+ + MnO4-(aq) + 5e- Mn2+ (aq) + 4H2O(l)

When the reaction between MnO4- and Fe2+ occurs in solution, electrons
are transferred directly as the reactants collide.
The key is to separate the oxidizing agent
(electron acceptor) from the reducing agent (electron
donor), thus requiring the electron transfer to occur
through a wire. The current produced in the wire by
this electron flow can be directed through a device,
such as an electric motor, to do useful work.

Figure 1: Schematic of a method for separating

the oxidizing and reducing agents in a redox reaction.

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 (image credit: Introductory Chemistry)

However, electron flow under these

conditions would lead to a build-up of negative
charge on the left and positive charge on the right,
which is not feasible without a huge input of
energy.

Figure 2
(image credit: Introductory Chemistry)
Solving this problem simply, the solutions
must be connected (without allowing them to mix extensively) so that
ions can also flow to keep the net charge in each compartment zero

Here the ion flow between the two solutions keeps the
charge neutral as electrons are transferred. This can
be accomplished by having negative ions (anions) flow
in the opposite direction to the electrons or by having
positive ions (cations) flow in the same direction as
the electrons.

Figure 3
(image credit: Introductory Chemistry)

This can be accomplished by using a salt bridge (a U-shaped tube filled

with a strong electrolyte) or a porous disk in a tube connecting the two
solutions (see Figure 4). Either of these devices allows ion flow but
prevents extensive mixing of the solutions. When we make a provision for
ion flow, the circuit is complete. Electrons flow through the wire from
reducing agent to oxidizing agent, and ions in the two aqueous solutions
flow from one compartment to the other to keep the net charge zero.

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 Figure 4
A salt bridge or a porous-disk connection
allows ions to flow, completing the electric circuit.
(image credit: Introductory Chemistry)

The salt bridge contains a strong electrolyte either as a gel or as a

solution; both ends are covered with a membrane that allows only ions to
pass.
The porous disk allows ion flow but does not permit overall mixing of the
solutions in the two compartments.

Thus an electrochemical battery, also called a galvanic cell, is a device

powered by an oxidation–reduction reaction where the oxidizing agent is
separated from the reducing agent so that the electrons must travel through a
wire from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent (Figure 5).

Notice that in a
battery, the reducing agent
loses electrons (which flow
through the wire toward the
oxidizing agent) and so is
oxidized. The electrode where
oxidation occurs is called the
anode. At the other electrode,
the oxidizing agent gains
electrons and is thus reduced.
The electrode where reduction
occurs is called the cathode.
Figure 5
Schematic of a battery (galvanic cell).
(image credit: Introductory Chemistry)

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BATTERIES
In electricity, a battery is a device consisting of one or more
electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical
energy.
They are simply voltaic cells conveniently packaged to act as portable
souce of energy.
The actual oxidation-reduction reactions depend on the type of a
particular battery.
Let us examine several types of battery.

A. Leclanche dry cell

A common dry-cell battery is the zinc-carbon battery, which uses a cell
that is sometimes called the Leclanché cell.
The zinc case acts as a the anode and a
graphite rod immersed in moist slightly acidic
paste of carbon and manganese(IV) dioxide
(MnO2) and of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)
act as cathode.
A fibrous fabric separates the two electrodes,
and a brass pin in the center of the cell
conducts electricity to the outside circuit.

(image credit: Chemistry: A Molecular Approach)

The zinc is oxidized according to the reaction:
Oxidation (anode): Zn(s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-
The cathode is a carbon-rod immersed in a moist paste of MnO2 that also
contains NH4Cl. The MnO2 is reduced to MnO3 according to the reaction:
Reduction (cathode):
2 MnO2(s) + 2NH4+ (aq) + 2e- Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(g) + H2O(l)

Oxidation (anode): Zn(s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-

Reduction (cathode): 2 MnO2(s) + 2NH4+ (aq) + 2e- Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(g) + H2O(l)

Overall Reaction: Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) + 2NH4+ (aq) Zn2+ (aq) + Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(g) +
H2O(l)

This two half-reactions produce a voltage of about 1.5 V. Two or more of

these batteries can be connected in series (cathode-to-anode conection)
to produce higher voltages.

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B. Button batteries
A small single cell battery shaped as a squat cylinder typically 5 to 25
mm (0.197 to 0.984 in) in diameter and 1 to 6 mm (0.039 to 0.236 in)
high — like a button on a garment, hence the name.
A metal can forms the bottom body and positive terminal of the cell. An
insulated top cap is the negative terminal. Button cells are single cells,
usually disposable primary cells.
Common anode materials are zinc or lithium. Common cathode materials
are manganese dioxide, silver oxide, carbon monofluoride, cupric oxide
or oxygen from the air.
Mercuric oxide button cells were formerly common, but are no longer
available due to the toxicity and environmental effects of mercury.
Although some of the small button batteries used to power watches,
calculators, and cameras are
miniature alkaline cells, most are
based on a completely different
chemistry. In these "button"
batteries, the anode is a zinc–
mercury amalgam rather than pure
zinc, and the cathode uses either
HgO or Ag2O as the oxidant rather
than MnO2.

(image credit: chemlibretext)

C. Fuel cells
Fuel cells are like batteries, the key difference is that a battery is self-
contained, while in a fuel cells the reactants need to be constantly
replenished from an external source.
In a fuel cell, the reactants – the fuel provided from an external source-
constant flow through the battery, generating electrical current as they
undergo redox reaction.
The most common fuel cell is the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

(2)
Oxidation (anode):
Reduction (cathode): O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- 4 OH-(aq)
____________________________________________________
Overall Reaction: 2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H22OO(l)(l) + 4e-
2H2(g) + 4 OH-(aq) 4H
Notice that the only product is water. In the space shuttle program,
hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells consume hydrogen to provide electricity and
austronauts drink that is produced during the reaction.

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D. Lead storage battery
The batteries in most automobiles are lead-acid storage batteries.
These batteries consist of
six cells electrochemical
wired in series.
Each cell produces 2V for a
total 12 of
V.
Each cell contains a porous lead
oxide lead a and anode
cathode, in immersed both
sulfuric acid.

(image credit: Introductory Chemistry)

Pb(s) + HSO4-(aq) PbSO4(s) + H+ (aq) + 2e-
Oxidation (anode): PbO2(s) + HSO4-(aq) + 2 3H+ (aq) + 2e- PbSO4(s) +
Reduction (cathode):

2H2O(l) ______________________________________________________
Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2HSO4-(aq) + 2H+ (aq) 2PbSO4(s) +
Overall Reaction:
2H2O(l)

Explore

I. Calculate the standard cell potential for each of the following reactions.
a. 2Ag+ (aq) + Pb(s) 2Ag(s) + Pb2+ (aq)
b. 2ClO2(g) + 1I-(aq) 2ClO2-(aq) + I2(s)
c. O2(g) + 4H+ (aq) + 2Zn(s) 2H2O(l) + 2Zn2+ (aq)

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II. Consider the voltaic cell.

a. Determine the direction of the electron flow and label the anode and the
cathode.

b. Write a balanced equation for the overall reaction and calculate the Eo cell.
c. Label each electrode as positive or negative.
d. Indicate the direction of anion and cation flow in the salt bridge.

Deepen

I. Create a functional Galvanic cell given the following:

On the left side of the cell there is a 1.00M aqueous solution of H2C2O4
with an inert platinum electrode.
On the other side, there is a solid iron electrode sitting in a solution of
1.00M iron (III) nitrate.
Finish drawing the cell and label the anode, cathode, electrodes,
solutions and all parts of the cell.
Write and balance the half reactions and overall cell reaction.

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Oxidation ½ reaction: _______________________________________ Eºox = ________

Reduction ½ reaction: _______________________________________ Eºred = ________

Cell reaction: ________________________________________________ Eºcell = _______

II. Research on the following.

1. List some things that are typically considered when selecting a
battery for a new application.

2. Why do batteries go dead, but fuel cells do not?

Gauge

Multiple Choice. Answer the following questions carefully. Use a separate

sheet for your answer.

1. What do you call reactant containing the element that is oxidized?

A. reducing agent B. hydrogen C. oxidizing agent D. sublime

2. What happens to the atoms of metal when it losses one or two electrons?
A. oxidized B. reduced C. hydrogenated D. sublimated

3. What is the other term for an electrochemical cell?

A. battery cell B. galvanic cell C. cell D. chargeable cell
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4. Electrochemical cells convert which of these into electrical energy?
A. mechanical energy B. potential energy
C. kinetic energy D. chemical energy

5. What was oxidized and what was reduced in the following reaction?
2Hg2+ + N2H4 → 2Hg + N2 + 4H+
A. Hg2+ was oxidized; N2H4 was reduced
B. Hg2+ was reduced; N2H4 was oxidized
C. Hg2+ was oxidized; N2H4 was oxidized
D. Hg2+ was reduced; N2H4 was reduced

6. Which substance is the reducing agent in the following reaction?

4H+ (aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + MnO2(s) → Cl2(g) + Mn2+ (aq) + 2H2O(l)
A. H+ (aq) B. Cl-(aq) C. MnO2(s) D. Cl2(g)
7. Which of the following statements about electrochemical cells is true?
A. Oxidation occurs at the anode
B. Reduction occurs at the anode
C. Only oxidation half–reactions are useful
D. An element with a high love for electrons is likely to be easily oxidized

8. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A. Oxidation occurs at the anode.
B. Reduction occurs at the cathode.
C. All electrochemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons.
D. All voltaic (galvanic) cells involve the use of electricity to initiate
nonspontaneous chemical reactions.

9. What is the function of a salt bridge in an operating electrochemical cell?

A. allow hydrolysis to occur.
B. allow a non-spontaneous reaction to occur.
C. permit the migration of ions within the cell.
D. transfer electrons from the cathode to the anode.

10. Which among the choices is an example of a simple fuel cell?

A. lead storage battery B. Daniell cell
C. H2−O2 cell D. Lechlanche cell

11. In a galvanic cell, in which direction does the electrons flow from?
A. anode to cathode through the solution
B. cathode to anode through the solution
C. anode to cathode through the external circuit
D. cathode to anode through the external circuit

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12. What is the role of the cathode in an electrochemical cell?
A. is reduced B. is the reducing agent
C. loses mass D. is the site of reduction

13. What Is E˚ for the following balanced reaction?

Zn(s) + Pb2+ (aq) → Zn2+ (aq) + Pb(s)

Half-reaction Standard Reduction Potential

Zn2+ (aq) + 2e– → Zn(s) – 0.763
Pb2+ (aq) + 2e– → Pb(s) – 0.126

A. + 0.637 V B. – 0.637 V C. + 1.274 V D. –

V 0.889

14. What is E˚ for the following balanced reaction?

Al(s) + Fe3+ (aq) → Al3+ (aq) +
Fe(s)

Half- Standard Reduction Potential

reaction Fe3+ (aq) + + 0.771
2e– → Fe(s) Al3+(aq) + – 1.660
2e– → Al(s)

A. +1.280 V B. – 2.431 V C. + 2.431 V D. – 2.280

V

15. What is E˚ for the following balanced reaction?

4H+ (aq) + Fe(s) + NO3-(aq) → Fe3+ (aq) + NO(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Standard Reduction Potential

NO3– + 4H+ + 3e– → NO + 2H2O E˚ = + 0.960 V
Fe3+ + 3e– → Fe
E˚ = +0.771 V

A. + 0.189 V B. - 0.189 V C. + 1.731 V D. – 1.731

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References:
Chang, Raymond. (2010). Chemistry.-10th edition. USA. McGraw-Hill. pp. 836 –
862

Tro, Nivaldo J. (2011). Chemistry: a molecular approach. USA. Pearson Prentice

Hall. pp. 869 - 882.

“Electrochemistry – Cells and Batteries”, accessed February 22, 2021,

“Dry-cell Battery”, accessed February 15, 2021,

https://courses.lumenlearning.com

“How to solve it. Electrochemical cell potentials, accessed February 10, 2021,
https://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/Electrochem/Electroche
mical_Cell_Potentials.htm

“Lead-acid battery, accessed February 23, 2021,

https://www.sciencedirect.com

“Standard reduction potentials”, accessed February 10, 2021,

https://grade12uchem.weebly.com

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