BTC225

Electrochemistry Part
given By

Dr. Safaa El-Taweel

Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry
Importance of electrochemistry:

 It is the part of chemistry that deals with

studying the transformation of electricity
(electrical energy) to chemical energy and vice
versa.
 It is important where: (1) most of biological
reactions in human body is considered as
oxidation and reduction reactions. (2) Studying
drug mechanism in human body. (3) Studying the
metallic implant in human body. (4)
Electrochemotherapy for tumors.
 W ater-soluble substances are distinguished as electrolytes or nonelectrolytes

Electrolytes are electrovalent Nonelectrolytes, on

substances that form ions in solution which
conduct an electric current. (e.g. Sodium
chloride, copper (II) sulphate and
potassium nitrate)
the other hand, are covalent
substances which form neutral
molecules in solution. Their water-
solutions do not conduct an electric
current. (e.g. Sugar, alcohol and
glycerol)

The phenomenon of decomposition of an electrolyte by passing

electric current through its solution is termed
Electrolysis
The process of electrolysis is carried in an apparatus called the
Electrolytic cell. The cell contains water-solution of an
electrolyte in which two metallic rods (electrodes) are dipped.
These rods are connected to the two terminals of a battery (source
of electricity). The electrode connected to the positive terminal of
the battery attracts the negative ions (anions) and is called anode.
The other electrode connected to the negative end of the battery
attracts the positive ions (cations) and is called cathode.
Ampere
An ampere is a unit rate of flow of electricity.

Ohm
An ohm is a unit of electrical resistance.

Volt
A volt is a unit of electromotive force. It is the difference in electrical potential
required to send a current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm.
Cell Constant
 Variable
Unknown resistance R3 or
resistance resistance box

Known
Known resistance
resistance R2
R1
To measure the resistance of electrolytic
solution put it in wheatstone bridge.
Change the variable resistance till obtain
potential difference between point B and D
equals zero using the voltammeter G.
Strong electrolytes are completely ionized at all
concentrations (or dilutions). The increase in equivalent conductance is
not due to the increase in the number of current carrying species. This is,
in fact, due to the decrease in forces of attraction between the ions of
opposite charges with the decrease in concentration (or increase in
dilution). At higher concentration, the forces of attraction between the
opposite ions increase (F ∝ q1 q2 / r ). Consequently, it affects the speed
of the ions with which they move towards oppositely charged electrodes.
This phenomenon is called ionic interference. As the solution becomes
more and more dilute, the equivalent conductance increases, till it
reaches a limitary value. This value is known as equivalent
conductance at infinite dilution (zero concentration) and is denoted by
L.
Weak electrolytes have low ionic concentrations and
hence interionic forces are negligible.
Ionic speeds are not affected with a decrease in
concentration (or increase in dilution). The increase in
equivalent conductance with increasing dilution is due to
the increase in the number of current carrier species. Thus
increase in equivalent conductance (Λ) in case of a weak
electrolyte is due to the increase in the number of ions.