Electrochemistry

Question 1

Galvanic cell

Answer 1

Spontaneously converts chemical energy to
electrical energy.
Electrons flow through an external circuit along an electric current.

Question 2

Electrolyte

Answer 2

A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water.

Question 3

Electrical Conductor

Answer 3

An object or type of material that permits the flow of electrical current in one or more directions.

Question 4

Anode

Answer 4

The electrode at which oxidation occurs

Question 5

Cathode

Answer 5

The electrode at which reduction occurs

Question 6

How can you tell whether an electrolyte is an anode or a cathode?

Answer 6

Look at its place on the Standard Reduction Potentials Scale. Lower amounts are more likely to oxidize (lose electrons)

Question 7

How can these electrolyte solutions remain
neutral?

Answer 7

Negative ions (anions) migrate toward the anode, and positive ions (cations) migrate toward the cathode.

Question 8

What is a salt bridge and its function?

Answer 8

A device that contains an electrolyte solution that does not interfere in the reaction. The open ends of the salt bridge are plugged with a porous material, such as glass wool, to stop the electrolyte from leaking out too quickly. The plugs allow ion migration to maintain electrical neutrality.

Question 9

inert electrode

Answer 9

An electrode made from a material that is neither a reactant nor a product of the cell reaction. Does Not React!!

Question 10

Electrolytic cell

Answer 10

a device that converts electrical energy to chemical energy non-spontaneously with the help of external voltage.

Question 11

What are the polarities of the electrodes in electrolytic cells?

Answer 11

In an electrolytic cell, the anode is positive and the cathode is negative.

Question 12

How do you read the cell potential of an electrolytic cell.

Answer 12

It will be negative since it’s not spontaneous. That number is how much external voltage (overvoltage) is needed for an electrolysis reaction to occur.

Question 13

How do you predict the products of electrolysis for an aqueous solution?

Answer 13

1. Examine all possible half-reactions and their reduction
   potentials.
2. Find the overall reaction that requires the lowest external voltage. (e.g., the overall cell reaction with a negative cell potential that is closest to zero).

Question 13

Electroplating

Answer 13

A metal is deposited, or plated, onto the cathode in an electrolytic cell