Electrochemical Cells (Batteries)

Chemical reaction produces electricity.

Called “voltaic cells”
Happens SPONTANEOUSLY.
 Moving Electrons = Electricity
Electrons from oxidized substance
travel towards substance reduced.

Traveling electrons move

through “external circuit”
where they do work.
 Parts of a Simple Battery
(Voltaic Cell)
Made of Two “Half Cells” containing:

2 Metal Electrodes
2 Solutions of Ions
External Wire
Salt Bridge
“Charge” flows in a “circuit” that
is connected.

External Wire:
allows e- to flow
between metal electrodes

Salt Bridge:
allows ions to flow
between solutions
What is Ox/Red?

Start with Table J

Electrons travel from more
“Active” metal toward less
active metal.

Metal above = oxidized

Ion on Metal below = reduced

Ex:
Ox: Zn
Red: Cu+2
Which way do electrons
flow in the external wire?

Electrons flow
“Down Table J”

From metal
above to ion of
metal below e-

from Zn to Cu+2
Which electrode is
negative or positive?

Electrons flow from negative to

positive electrode.

Negative electrode: Zn
Positive electrode: Cu e-
Which electrode is the
anode or cathode?

Anode: metal electrode

where oxidation occurs
Ex: Zn

Cathode: metal electrode

where reduction occurs
Ex: Cu
 Remember
AN OX
RED CAT
Anode is where oxidation happens
Cathode is where reduction happens
What are the Half Reactions?
Ox:
Zn0 Zn+2 + 2e-

Red:
Cu+2 + 2e- Cu0 e-

What is the Net Equation?

Net: (add ½ reactions)
Zn0 + Cu+2 Zn+2 + Cu0

Make sure final net equation is

balanced for electrons and atoms!
Which electrode gains/loses weight?
Look at half reactions!!
Which forms solid metal?
Which forms dissolved ions?

Ox:
Zn0 Zn+2 + 2e-
Red:
Cu+2 + 2e- Cu0
Which way do the ions in the salt
bridge “migrate” or move?

Remember:
“The negative ions complete the circuit”

(The ions actually end up moving towards

the solution of opposite charge that forms.)
 Dead Battery
Voltage = 0

Means the reaction in the battery has

reached EQUILIBRIUM.
 You try it…
Mg/Mg+2//Al+3/Al

• Draw and label Battery

• What is oxidized/reduced?
• What are the half reactions and net(balanced)?
• What is the neg/pos electrode?
• What is the anode/cathode?
• Which way do e- flow in wire?
• Which way do -/+ ions flow in salt bridge?
• Which electrode gains/loses mass?
 Lemon Battery Demo
 http://youtu.be/AY9qcDCFeVI
 Batteries
 http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/ess
entialchemistry/flash/galvan5.swf
 Battery Simulation
http://www.chem.iastate.edu/group/Greenbo
we/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/electroCh
em/volticCell.htmlN
 Nerst Equation Simulation (HONORS)
http://www.chem.iastate.edu/group/Greenbo
we/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/electroCh
em/voltaicCellEMF.html 
 Finding Voltage of a Battery
(Honors)
Use Voltage Table
Find your half reactions and record voltage

Note:
All ½ reactions shown are reductions.
For oxidation, reverse the sign of the voltage
 Nerntz Equation (Honors)
Find voltage of a battery when the conc. of dissolved
ions is not 1 Molar (as on “standard voltage” table)

Ecell = E0 – 0.0592 log [product ion]x

n [reactant ion]y

n = total # of moles electrons being transferred

The concentration of dissolved ions can affect voltage.

Greater concentration of reactant ions (see net)
increases the overall voltage.