Subject Code CHEM 2 Chemistry 2

Module Code 5.0 Electrochemistry

Lesson Code 5.2 Galvanic Cells
Time Frame 40 minutes with video

TA ATA
Component Tasks
(min)a (min)b
Target By the end of this learning guide module, the students should be able
to:
1. Describe two types of electrochemical cells. 0.5
2. Describe how a galvanic cell works.
3. Write cell notations/diagrams for electrochemical cells.

Hook Watch the video: Introduction to Electrochemistry (16 min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teTkvUtW4SA
Note-taking:
1. Copy the diagram in 15:57 for your reference.
2. Make a copy of the table found in the Ignite and answer the
questions for your post-viewing assignment.

Alternately, You may use the link to this online resource:

16
Electrochemical cells. (2020, August 14). Chemistry LibreTexts.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_
Principles_of_Modern_Chemistry_(Oxtoby_et_al.)/EQUILIBRIUM_IN
_CHEMICAL_REACTIONS/17%3A_Electrochemistry/17.1%3A_Elect
rochemical_Cells

1. Copy diagram 17.1.1

2. Make a copy of the table found in the Ignite and answer the questions
as you read the material.
Ignite Post-viewing Assignment:
Check out the prompts and provide short-answers in Column 3. (NON-
GRADED)
SEG-
QUESTIONS ANSWER
MENT
0:16 What is electrochemistry?
What are two ways chemical
0:35 reactions can interact with 15
chemistry? (along
How do chemical reactions interact with
1:44 with electricity in electrochemistry? the
What are these reactions? video)
What type of electrochemical cell
4:15 involves chemical reactions creating
electricity?
In a galvanic cell, the chemical
5:50 reaction is spontaneous (happens on
its own). True or false?

Chemistry 2 LG 5.2 Galvanic Cells Page 1 of 7

 What information do we use to find
6:21 out how likely a metal has a stronger
pull for electrons?
In this chart, which metal is likely to
pull electrons (be reduced)… the one
6:45 a more negative standard reduction
potential of the one with a less
negative value?
How can we construct a galvanic
7:34
cell?
How do electrons move from one
8:10
half-cell to the other?
What do we call the two pieces of
9:19
metal in a galvanic cell?
In which electrode does oxidation
9:14
happen?
In which electrode does reduction
9:44
happen?
10:41 How does a galvanic cell work?
11:26 How does an electrolytic cell work?
What do we use in an electrolytic
14:03 cell to make non-spontaneous
reactions happen?

In electrochemistry, the chemical reactions involve movement of

electrons. The reactions involved are called redox reactions. There are two
types of electrochemical cells: galvanic cells and electrolytic cells. Galvanic
cells involve spontaneous reactions that generate electricity whereas
electrolytic cells use electricity to drive nonspontaneous reactions.

Galvanic cells are constructed by separating the oxidation half-reaction

from the reduction half-reaction and letting the electrons travel through a piece
of wire. The energy generated by the spontaneous redox reaction is used to
produce electricity. A galvanic or voltaic cell can be described by writing the
components of the cell based on its construction.

Cell Diagrams (Cell Notations)

A shorthand cell notation is often used to describe a galvanic cell. It uses

the simplest form of each half-reaction. It starts with the anode to the cathode.

The components of the anode compartment (oxidation half-reaction) are

written on the left hand side while the components of the cathode
compartment (reduction half-reaction) are written on the right hand side.
Electrodes appear at the far left and right of the notation.

Chemistry 2 LG 5.2 Galvanic Cells Page 2 of 7

 Example 1
A example of a galvanic cell is the Daniell Cell which was popularly used in
communications a century ago (Fig 5.2.1)

Figure 5.2.1 Daniell Cell (A galvanic cell).

(Image from https://chem.libretexts.org)

For the reaction:

Zn(s) + Cu 2+(aq) ⟶ Zn 2+(aq) + Cu (s)

Oxidation half reaction (anode): Zn(s) ⟶ Zn 2+(aq) + 2e–

Reduction half reaction (cathode): Cu 2+(aq) + 2e– ⟶ Cu (s)

The cell notation is written as:

Zn(s) I Zn 2+(aq) II Cu 2+(aq) I Cu (s)

anode I anode electrolyte II cathode electrolyte I cathode

A double vertical line is used to separate the half-cells and represent the
salt bridge. The electrolytes in the solutions are written closest to the salt
bridge. The electrolytes are separated from the electrodes by a single vertical
line.

Example 2
If there is no metal present to conduct the electrons from the anode to the
cathode on either or on both half-cells, we use an inert electrode such as
platinum or graphite. A comma is used to separate the half-cell components
present in the same phase. For example, for the reaction:

5Fe2+(aq) + MnO4−(aq) + 8H+(aq) ⟶ 5Fe3+(aq) + Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Chemistry 2 LG 5.2 Galvanic Cells Page 3 of 7

 Oxidation half reaction (anode): Fe2+(aq) ⟶ Fe3+ (aq) + e–
Reduction half reaction (cathode):
MnO4– (aq)+ 8H+ (aq) + 5e– ⟶ Mn2+(aq)+ 4H2O (l)

We write the cell notation:

Pt(s) ∣Fe2+(aq), Fe3+(aq)∥ MnO4−(aq), H+ (aq), Mn2+(aq) ∣C(s)

In the cathode for example, the cathode compartment contains an

aqueous solution of H+, MnO4–, and Mn2+ ions with solid graphite immersed
in it. Graphite is an inert electrode used to allow flow of the electrons.

Example 3
In a heterogenous reaction (more than one phase), a vertical line is used to
indicate a phase boundary. Consider the example,

2Cl– (aq) + 2Ag+ (aq) ⟶ Cl2(g) + 2Ag(s)

Oxidation half reaction (anode): 2Cl– (aq) ⟶ Cl2 (g) + 2e–

Reduction half reaction (cathode): Ag+ (aq) + e– ⟶ Ag (s)

The cell notation is written as:

C(s) I Cl– (aq) I Cl2(g) II Ag+ (aq) I Ag(s)

anode I phase of lower I phase of higher II phase of higher I phase of lower

oxidation state oxidation state oxidation state oxidation state

Example 4: We can also indicate the concentrations of dissolved

components.
Zn(s) I Zn 2+ (0.5 M) II Cu 2+ (1 M) I Cu (s)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Writing Cell Notation

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6lkJMtYGlM
For this lesson, watch only until segment 3:17 so you will not get
confused with the next topic.

Navigate NON-GRADED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Draw a galvanic cell and label the parts.

GRADED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

1. Write the cell notation for the voltaic cell that incorporates each of
8
the following redox reactions: (2 pts each)

a. Mg(s) + Sn2+(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + Sn(s)

b. Al(s) + Cr3+ (aq) →Al3+(aq) + Cr(s)

Chemistry 2 LG 5.2 Galvanic Cells Page 4 of 7