Chemical Cells Flashcards
How is a simple chemical cell formed?
By connecting two different metals with a wire in contact with an electrolyte
What types of electrolyte are used in chemical cells?
Salt solution
Dilute acid
In a simple cell which metal acts as the negative terminal ?
The more reactive metal
How is a current formed in a chemical cell?
The electrons flow from the more reactive metal to the less reactive metal
What is a battery?
Two or more cells connected in series to provide a greater potential difference
Name an example of a chemical battery
An alkaline battery
Why are alkaline batteries non-rechargeable?
When one of the reactants is used up the chemical reaction stops as it is not reversible
Why are rechargeable batteries rechargeable?
The chemical reaction is reversible
(They supply an external current by plugging it in)
What affects the potential difference in a chemical cell?
The greater the difference in reactivity of the metals the greater the potential difference
What is the potential difference like in a chemical cell where the two metals have a small difference in reactivity?
There is a small potential difference
What is the potential difference like in a chemical cell where the two metals have a great difference in reactivity?
There is a large potential difference
What is the potential difference like in a chemical cell where the two metals have a no difference in reactivity?
so the same metal
There will be no potential difference
In which direction do the electrons flow in a chemical cell?
From the most reactive metal (negative terminal) to the least reactive metal (positive terminal)
What happens to the more reactive metal in a chemical cell?
It is oxidised
because it loses electrons
