ELECTROCHEMISTRY

VOLTAIC CELLS
Zn (s) /Zn 2+ (aq) // Cu 2+ (aq) /Cu (s) 2 solid metals that are connected by external circuit called electrodes A salt bridge to allow ions to migrate between halfcells, anions always migrate toward the anode and cations toward to the cathode By definition, the electrode at which oxidation occurs is called anode the electrode at which reduction occur is called cathode

Each of the two compartments of a voltaic cell called a half-cell One half-cell is the site of oxidation half-reaction and the other is the site of the reduction halfreaction Anode (oxidation half-reaction) Zn (s) Zn 2+ (aq) + 2e Cathode (reduction half-reaction) Cu 2+ (aq) + 2e Cu (s)

CELL EMF UNDER STANDARD CONDITION

Electrons flow from the anode of a voltaic cell to the cathode because of a difference in potential energy. The potential energy of electrons is higher in the anode than in the cathode and they spontaneously flow through an external circuit from the anode to cathode The difference in potential energy per electrical charge between the two electrodes is measured in unit of volt

1V = 1 J/C

(one e- has charge 1.60 x 10 -19 C)

The potential difference between 2 electrodes of a voltaic cell provides the driving force that pushes electrons the external circuit So, this potential difference the electromotive force (emf) , E Cell E cell - standard emf ( operated at 25 C)

STANDARD REDUCTION (HALF-CELL)

POTENTIALS

E cell = E red(cathode) - E red(anode)

Refer : Sample exercise 20.5 (pg 863), 20.6 (pg 865)

STRENGTHS OF OXIDIZING & REDUCING

AGENTS

The relationship between the value of E red and the spontaneity of redox reactions.

The more positive the E red value for a halfreaction, the greater the tendency for the reactant of the half-reaction to be reduced and, therefore to oxidize another species. Eg : F2(g) + 2e 2F (aq) E red = 2.87 V

Li+ (aq) + e Li(s)

E red = -3.05V