Senior High School

Specialized - STEM

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region I
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF ILOCOS NORTE

General Chemistry 2
Quarter 4 – Module 8:
Redox Reactions in
Everyday Life

SDOIN_Specialized_STEM_Q4_GENERALCHEMISTRY2_Module8
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General Chemistry 2
Crafting-Resources-for-Accessible-and-Flexible-Teaching (CRAFT)
Quarter 4 – Module 8: Redox Reactions in Everyday Life
First Edition, 2023
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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Sara Z. Duterte
Undersecretary: Gina O. Gonong

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Kaye Anne D. Salitamos; Michelle G. Baldo

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 General
Chemistry 2
Quarter 4 – Module 8:
Redox Reactions in
Everyday Life

MELCs: Describe the electrochemistry involved in some

common batteries: (a) Leclanche dry cells; (b) Button
batteries; (c) Fuel cells; and (d) Lead storage battery
(STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-180)
Apply electrochemical principles to explain corrosion
(STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-181)

Prepared by:

KAYE ANNE D. SALITAMOS

Teacher III
Marcos National High School

MICHELLE G. BALDO
Teacher II
Pinili National High School

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Introductory Message
This Contextualized Learning Module (CLM) is prepared so that you, our
dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to
understand each lesson with ease.
This CLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-test is provided to measure your prior knowledge on the lesson. This will
show you if you need to proceed in completing this module or if you need to ask
your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of this module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your
learning. Answer keys are provided for all activities and tests. We trust that you
will be honest in using them.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher is also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they
can best help you in your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any
part of this CLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and
tests. Likewise, read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any question in using this CLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the nature of Biology. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe the electrochemistry involved in some common batteries such as (a)
Leclanche dry cells; (b) button batteries; (c) fuel cells; and (d) lead-storage
batteries; and
2. apply electrochemical principles to explain corrosion.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Will adding batteries that are lined up in a row amplify the overall voltage of
the batteries?
A. YES B. NO

2. Do electrolytic cells undergo non-spontaneous chemical reactions?

A. YES B. NO

3. Are rechargeable batteries also known as disposable batteries?

A. YES B. NO

4. Can batteries of different sizes have the same voltage?

A. YES B. NO

5. Are button batteries considered as primary voltaic cells?

A. YES B. NO

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 Lesso Applications of Redox
n 1 Reactions and Corrosion

What’s In

What our bodies have in common with the burning of a campfire or the
rusting of old farm equipment? Why does silver tarnish? How can aluminum
restore tarnished silver? Why is it unwise for people with fillings in their teeth to
bite down on aluminum foil? How do batteries work and what is the source of their
energy? Why is hydrogen the ultimate fuel of the future? The answers to these
questions involve the transfer of electrons from one substance to another. These
kinds of chemical reactions are the main focus of this module.

Now, read and understand each statement on redox reaction as applied to

galvanic and electrolyte cells. Write TRUE if it is valid and acceptable and FALSE if
not. Write your choice on a separate sheet of paper and submit a copy of it to your
subject teacher.
1. In primary cells, all of the components in the electrodes are almost
always completely used.
2. Primary and secondary cells differ in their cathode and anode
properties.
3. Redox reactions play a critical role in the cells within batteries.
4. The cathode in a voltaic cell gains electrons.
5. Corrosion results when a metal is exposed to oxygen and water.

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 Note the Teachers
The teacher must consider the prerequisite skills needed in
the development of this competency including the schema or
background knowledge which may reinforce learning. This module
will help the learners bridge the gap of learning to attain mastery
of the lesson in its spiral progression.

What is New
In this module, we will look at a class of reactions in which an electron or a
series of electrons that are transferred from one reactant to another. What do you
call these types of reactions?

What is It

Electrochemistry is the study of the relationship between electrical energy and

chemical change. It involves either the use of an oxidation-reduction reaction to
produce an electric current or the use of an electric current to produce an
oxidation-reduction reaction.

To understand how an oxidation-reduction can generate an electric current,

consider what happens when a reducing agent is placed in direct contact with an
oxidizing agent. This flow of electrons flow from the reducing agent to the oxidizing
agent. This flow of electrons is an electric current, which is a form of kinetic energy
than can be harnessed for useful purposes.

Figure 1. Oxidation of iron atoms and the reduction of copperions.

SOURCE: docbrown.info. “Rusting-Corrosion, Prevention,and an Introduction to Oxidation and
Reduction.”.https://docbrown.info/page03/Reactivitya.htm

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 Iron atoms, for example, are better reducing agents than copper ions. So
when a piece of iron metal and a solution containing copper ions are placed in
contact with each other, electrons flow form the iron atoms to the copper ions. The
result is the oxidation of iron atoms and the reduction of copper ions.

The elemental iron and copper ions need not be in physical contact in order
for electrons to flow between them. If they are in separate containers but bridged by
a conducting wire, the electrons can flow from the iron to the copper ions through
the wire. The resulting electric current in the wire could be attached to some useful
device, such as lightbulb. But unfortunately, an electric current is not sustained by
this arrangement.

The reason why electric current is not sustained is because of an initial flow
of electrons through the wire immediately results in a buildup of electric charge in
both containers. This situation prevents any further migration of electrons through
the wire. Recall that electrons are negative, and so they are repelled by the negative
charge and attracted to the positive charge. The net result is that the electrons do
not flow through the wire, and the bulb remains unlit.

Batteries: Electricity through Chemical Reactions

Batteries consist of one or more electrochemical cells that store chemical

energy for later conversion to electrical energy. Batteries are used in many day-to-
day devices such as cellular phones, laptop computers, clocks, and cars. Batteries
are composed of at least one electrochemical cell which is used for the storage and
generation of electricity. Though a variety of electrochemical cells exist, batteries
generally consist of at least one voltaic cell. Voltaic cells are also sometimes referred
to as galvanic cells. Chemical reactions and the generation of electrical energy is
spontaneous within a voltaic cell, as opposed to the reactions in electrolytic cells
and fuel cells.

It was while conducting experiments on electricity in 1749 that Benjamin

Franklin first coined the term "battery" to describe linked capacitors. However, his
battery was not the first battery, just the first ever referred to as such. Rather it is
believed that the Baghdad Batteries, discovered in 1936 and over 2,000 years old,
were some of the first ever batteries, though their exact purpose is still debated.

Luigi Galvani (for whom the galvanic cell is named) first described “animal
electricity” in 1780 when he created an electrical current through a frog. Though he
was not aware of it at the time, this was a form of a battery. His contemporary
Alessandro Volta (for whom the voltaic cell and voltaic pile are named) was
convinced that the “animal electricity” was not coming from the frog, but something
else entirely. In 1800, he produced the first real battery: the voltaic pile.

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 In 1836, John Frederic Daniell created the Daniell cell when researching
ways to overcome some of the problems associated with Volta’s voltaic pile. This
discovery was followed by developments of the Grove cell by William Robert Grove
in 1844; the first rechargeable battery, made of a lead-acid cell in 1859 by Gaston
Plante; the gravity cell by Callaud in the 1860s; and the Leclanche cell by Georges
Leclanche in 1866.

Until this point, all batteries were wet cells. Then in 1887, Carl Gassner
created the first dry cell battery, made of a zinc-carbon cell. The nickel-cadmium
battery was introduced in 1899 by Waldmar Jungner along with the nickel-iron
battery. However, Jungner failed to patent the nickel-iron battery and in 1903,
Thomas Edison patented a slightly modified design for himself.

A major breakthrough came in 1955 when Lewis Urry, an employee of what

is now known as Energizer, introduced the common alkaline battery. The 1970s led
to the nickel hydrogen battery and the 1980s to the nickel metal-hydride battery.

Lithium batteries were first created as early as 1912, however the most
successful type, the lithium-ion polymer battery used in most portable electronics
today, was not released until 1996.

Voltaic Cells

Voltaic cells are composed of two half-cell reactions (oxidation-reduction)

linked together via a semipermeable membrane (generally a salt bath) and a wire
(Figure 2). Each side of the cell contains a metal that acts as an electrode. One of
the electrodes is termed the cathode, and the other is termed the anode. The side of
the cell containing the cathode is reduced, meaning it gains electrons and acts as
the oxidizing agent for the anode. The side of the cell containing the anode is where
oxidation occurs, meaning it loses electrons and acts as the reducing agent for the
cathode. The two electrodes are each submerged in an electrolyte, a compound that
consists of ions. This electrolyte acts as a concentration gradient for both sides of
the half reaction, facilitating the process of the electron transfer through the wire.
This movement of electrons is what produces energy and is used to power the
battery.

The cell is separated into two compartments because the chemical reaction
is spontaneous. If the reaction was to occur without this separation, energy in the
form of heat would be released and the battery would not be effective.

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 Figure 2: A Zinc-Copper Voltaic cell
Source:chemistrymadesimple.net.”What is Titration and How it Done?.” Published
August 17, 2021.https://chemistrymadesimple.net/episode/13/

Figure 3: Primary batteries (left). Secondary batteries (right).

Primary Batteries

Primary batteries are non-rechargeable and disposable. The electrochemical

reactions in these batteries are non-reversible. The materials in the electrodes are
completely utilized and therefore cannot regenerate electricity. Primary batteries
are often used when long periods of storage are required, as they have a much
lower discharge rate than secondary batteries.

Use of primary batteries is exemplified by smoke detectors, flashlights, and

most remote controls.

Secondary Batteries

Secondary batteries are rechargeable. These batteries undergo

electrochemical reactions that can be readily reversed. The chemical reactions that
occur in secondary batteries are reversible because the components that react are
not completely used up. Rechargeable batteries need an external electrical source
to recharge them after they have given-off their energy.

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 Use of secondary batteries is exemplified by car batteries and portable
electronic devices.

Battery Cell Types

 Wet Cells

Wet cell batteries contain a liquid electrolyte. They can be either primary or
secondary batteries. Due to the liquid nature of wet cells, insulator sheets are used
to separate the anode and the cathode.

 Dry Cells

In dry cell batteries, no free liquid is present. Instead, the electrolyte is a

paste, just moist enough to allow current flow. This allows the dry cell battery to be
operated in any position without worrying about spilling its contents. This is why
dry cell batteries are commonly used in products which are frequently moved
around and inverted, such as portable electronic devices. Dry cell batteries can be
either primary or secondary batteries.

Examples of Primary Batteries

 Leclanche Dry Cell

The principle of the Leclanche cell was invented by Georges Leclanche in

1866. The composition of the present-day dry cell has not changed much since
then; it consists of a zinc anode md a graphite rod cathode. In between the
electrodes is a paste of zinc chloride (ZnCl 2), manganese (II) oxide (MnO2), and
ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). When connected to a device, the cell undergoes a
redox reaction, producing 1.5 volts of electrical energy.

Anode: Zn (s)  Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-

Cathode: 2MnO2 (s) + 2NH4+ (aq) + 2e-  2Mn2O3 (s) + 2NH3 (aq) + H2O (l)

Cell: 2MnO2 (s) + 2NH4+ (aq) + Zn (s)  Zn2+ (aq) + 2Mn2O3 (s) + 2NH3 (aq) + H2O (l)

 Button Batteries

Button batteries, are also known as mercury batteries, are also primary
cells. They are made of an Zn anode and mercury (II) oxide (HgO) cathode.
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) serves as an electrolyte
between the electrodes. The redox reaction delivers 1.3 volts of electrical energy.

Anode: Zn (s) + 2OH- (aq)  Zn(OH)2 (s) + 2e-

Cathode: HgO (s) + H2O (l) + 2e-  Hg (l) + 2OH- (aq)

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Cell: HgO (s) + H2O (l) + Zn (s)  Zn(OH)2 (s) + Hg (l)

Examples of Secondary Batteries

 Fuel Cell

Unlike other types, it does not have a fixed amount of chemicals with stored
electrical energy. The reactants are continuously supplied to the cell at the same
time the products are continuously removed. In a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell,
hydrogen is supplied to the anode, while oxygen is fed to the cathode. The anode
contains a catalyst that oxidizes hydrogen, giving off hydrogen ions and electrons.
The hydrogen ions and electrons move to the cathode that also contains a catalyst
that reduces oxygen, producing water. As the electrons move from the anode to the
cathode, electricity is generated.

Anode: 2H2 (g) + 4OH- (aq)  4H2O (l) + 4e-

Cathode: 2H2O (l) + O2 (g) + 4e-  4OH- (aq)

Cell: 2H2 (g) + O2 (g)  2H2O (l)

Lead-storage Cell

The lead-storage battery is a 12-volt battery commonly used in automobiles.

A typical lead battery contains a lead plate anode and lead (IV) oxide cathode
immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid. The whole battery consists of six cells
connected in series; each cell redox reaction produces 2 volts of electrical energy;
thus, the battery produces a total of 12 volts. As the automobile engine is ignited,
the battery discharges large amount of current. As soon as the engine runs, the
alternator takes over and recharges the battery back to its full state.

2-
Anode: Pb (s) + SO4 (aq)  PbSO4 (s) + 2e-
Cathode: PbO2 (s) + 4H+ (aq) + SO4 2-
(aq) + 2e-  PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (aq)

Cell: PbO2 (s) + Pb (s) + 4H+ (aq) + 2SO4 2-

(aq)  2PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (aq)

Battery Performance

The capacity of a battery depends directly on the quantity of electrode and

electrolyte material inside the cell. Primary batteries can lose around 8% to 20% of
their charge over the course of a year without any use. This is caused bychemical
reactions that do not produce current. The rate of side reactions can be slowed by
lowering temperature. Warmer temperatures can also lower the performance of the
battery, by speeding up the side chemical reactions. Primary batteries become
polarized with use. This is when hydrogen accumulates at the cathode, reducing

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the battery's effectiveness. Depolarizers can be used to remove this build-up of
hydrogen.

Secondary batteries self-discharge even more rapidly. They usually lose

about 10% of their charge each month. Rechargeable batteries gradually lose
capacity after every recharge cycle due to deterioration. This is caused by active
materials falling off the electrodes or electrolytes moving away from the electrodes.

Different Sizes of Batteries and Some Additional Facts

Batteries vary both in size and voltage due to the chemical properties and
contents within the cell. However, batteries of different sizes may have the same
voltage. The reason for this phenomenon is that the standard cell potential does
not depend on the size of a battery but rather on its internal content. Therefore,
batteries of different sizes can have the same voltage (Figure 4). Additionally, there
are ways in which batteries can amplify their voltages and current. When batteries
are lined up in a series of rows it increases their voltage, and when batteries are
lined up in a series of columns it can increases their current.

Figure 4: Four batteries of different sizes all of 1.5 voltage.

Hazards

Batteries can explode through misuse or malfunction. By attempting to

overcharge a rechargeable battery or charging it at an excessive rate, gases can
build up in the battery and potentially cause a rupture. A short circuit can also
lead to an explosion. A battery placed in a fire can also led to an explosion as steam
builds up inside the battery. Leakage is also a concern, because chemicals inside
batteries can be dangerous and damaging. Leakage emitted from the batteries can
ruin the device they are housed in, and is dangerous to handle. There are
numerous environmental concerns with the widespread use of batteries. The
production of batteries consumes many resources and involves the handling of
many dangerous chemicals. Used batteries are often improperly disposed of and
contribute to electronic waste. The materials inside batteries can potentially be
toxic pollutants, making improper disposal especially dangerous. Through
electronic recycling programs, toxic metals such as lead and mercury are kept from
entering and harming the environment. Consumption of batteries is harmful and
can lead to death.

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Corrosion

Corrosion results when a metal is exposed to oxygen and water. It causes

the formation of rust that deteriorates and weakens the material or structure.
Replacing the corroded metal as well as preventing its corrosion can be quite costly.

Rust forms when iron comes in contact with oxygen dissolved in water. The
oxygen oxidizes Fe to Fe2+, which dissolves in the water. While dissolved, Fe 2+ is
further oxidized to Fe3+, which eventually deposits as the reddish brown Fe2O3(rust).

Oxidation of Fe with O2: 2Fe (s) + O2 (g) + H2O (l)  2Fe2+ (aq) + 4OH- (aq)
Oxidation of Fe2+ with O2: 4Fe2+ (aq) + 3O2 (g) + 6H2O (l)  4Fe(OH)3 (s)
What’s More
Dehydration of Fe(OH)3 to form rust: 2Fe(OH)3 (s)  Fe2O3 (s) + 3H2O (g)

Now, understand the two questions below and use your knowledge on the
electrochemistry in answering them. Write the correct answer on a separate sheet
of paper and submit a copy of it to your subject teacher.

1. As long as fuel is available to it, a given fuel cell can supply electrical
energy indefinitely. Why can’t batteries do the same?

2. Suggest ways on how to prevent corrosion.

What I have Learned

1. A battery consists of chemicals that start to react spontaneously once an
electronic device is connected to its anode or cathode.
2. A non-rechargeable battery is classified as primary cell, while a
rechargeable battery is a secondary cell.
3. A battery can be a dry cell or wet cell.
4. Examples of primary batteries are Leclanche dry cells and button
batteries. Examples of secondary batteries are fuel cells and lead-storage
batteries.
5. The capacity of a battery depends directly on the quantity of electrode
and electrolyte material inside the cell.
6. Batteries vary both in size and voltage due to the chemical properties and
contents within the cell.
7. Batteries can explode through misuse or malfunction.
8. Corrosion results when a metal is exposed to oxygen and water. It can be
prevented through several ways.

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 What I Can Do

This section provides you one question to be scientifically comprehended

and answered. Write the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper and submit a
copy of it to your subject teacher.

Why do electrodes of fuel cell do not deteriorate the way the electrodes of a
Leclanche batteries do?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_

Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. These batteries undergo electrochemical reactions that can be readily
reversed.
A. Primary batteries C. Dry batteries
B. Secondary batteries D. Wet batteries

2. Which among the options is a device that changes the chemical energy of a
fuel to electrical energy?
A. Dry cell C. Wet cell
B. Fuel cell D. Homemade cell

3. This consists of one or more electrochemical cells that store chemical energy
for later conversion to electrical energy.
A. Fuel cell C. Voltaic cell
B. Battery D. Oxidation cell

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 4. When did Benjamin Franklin first coined the term "battery" to describe
linked capacitors?
A. 1748 C. 1750
B. 1749 D. 1751

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 5. Which type of battery is rechargeable?
A. Mercury battery C. Button battery
B. Lead-storage battery D. Leclanche battery

Additional Activities

To further enrich your knowledge, understand each question and answer

each scientifically. Write the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper and
submit a copy of it to your subject teacher.

1. Illustrate how the common types of batteries generate electrical energy.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

2. What electrochemistry principle are involved in the corrosion of metals and

its prevention?
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Answer Key

References

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 Bayquen, Aristea V., et.al., General Chemistry 2. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House, 2016

Harwood, William, Herring, Geoffrey, Madura, Jeffry, and Petrucci, Ralph,

General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications Ninth Edition, Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007

Kiehne, H.A., Battery Technology Handbook Second Edition, Renningen-

Malsheim, German, 2003

docbrown.info, “Rusting-Corrosion, Prevention,and an Introduction to

Oxidation and Reduction.”, https://docbrown.info/page03/Reactivitya.htm

chemistrymadesimple.net, “What is Titration and How it Done?.”, Published

August 17, 2021, https://chemistrymadesimple.net/episode/13/

SDOIN_Specialized_STEM_Q4_GENERALCHEM2_Module8
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 For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division of Ilocos Norte – Curriculum Implementation Division

Learning Resource Management Section (SDOIN-CID LRMS)

Office Address : Brgy. 7B, Giron Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Telefax : (077) 771-0960
Telephone No. : (077) 770-5963, (077) 600-2605
E-mail Address : sdoin.lrmds@deped.gov.ph
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