Electrochemistry and Polymer Chemistry

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic principles of electrochemistry, oxidation and reduction, cell notation, free energy, polymers, vulcanization, and plastic identification codes.

Electrochemistry

The study of the relationship between chemical reactions, electron transfer, and electricity.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation number; occurs at the anode.

Reduction

The gain of electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation number; occurs at the cathode.

OIL RIG

A mnemonic for redox reactions standing for "Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain".

Voltaic Cell

An electrochemical cell that produces electricity from a spontaneous chemical reaction ($\Delta G^\circ < 0$), converting chemical energy to electrical energy.

Electrolytic Cell

An electrochemical cell that uses electricity to drive a nonspontaneous chemical reaction ($\Delta G^\circ > 0$), converting electrical energy to chemical energy.

Oxidizing Agent

A substance that causes another substance to be oxidized and is itself reduced.

Reducing Agent

A substance that causes another substance to be reduced and is itself oxidized.

Anode

The electrode where oxidation occurs; source of electrons flowing to the cathode in a voltaic cell.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs.

AN OX / RED CAT

A mnemonic standing for "Anode = Oxidation" and "Reduction = Cathode".

Salt Bridge

A component in an electrochemical cell where anions flow to the anode and cations flow to the cathode to maintain electrical neutrality.

Cell Notation

A standard notation formatted as $\text{Anode} \mid \text{Anode ion} \parallel \text{Cathode ion} \mid \text{Cathode}$, where $\mid$ represents a phase boundary and $\parallel$ represents a salt bridge.

Standard Cell Potential Formula

The formula used to calculate standard cell potential: $E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{cathode}} - E^\circ_{\text{anode}}$.

Nernst Equation

An equation calculating cell potential at $25^\circ\text{C}$: $E = E^\circ - \frac{0.0592}{n} \log(Q)$.

Faraday's Constant ($F$)

The constant value representing charge per mole of electrons, given as $96485\,\text{C/mol}$.

Polymer

A large molecule consisting of repeating units called monomers.

Monomer

A smaller chemical unit that serves as the building block of a polymer.

Addition Polymers

Polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and PVC formed through addition polymerisation.

Condensation Polymers

Polymers such as polyamides formed from dicarboxylic acid and diamine.

Thermoplastics

Polymers that become fluid repeatedly upon heating.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

An unbranched polymer assigned plastic code 2, used for milk and water jugs, gasoline tanks, and Tyvek wrap.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

A branched polymer assigned plastic code 4, used for plastic bags, toys, and electrical insulation.

Vulcanization

A process discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839 where natural rubber is strengthened by heating with sulfur to form cross-links between polymer chains.

Degree of Polymerization (DOP)

The ratio of the molar mass of a polymer to the molar mass of its monomer: $\text{DOP} = \frac{M_{\text{polymer}}}{M_{\text{monomer}}}$.

Plastic Code 1 (PET / PETE)

Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used for beverage bottles and clothing.

Plastic Code 3 (PVC)

Poly(vinyl chloride), commonly used for garden hoses and plumbing pipe.

Plastic Code 5 (PP)

Polypropylene, commonly used for bottles, containers, and auto battery cases.

Plastic Code 6 (PS)

Polystyrene, commonly used for thermal insulation and drinking glasses.

Plastic Code 7 (OTHER)

All other resins and layered multimaterial, commonly used for cell phone and computer casings.

Table 10.7 Plastic Container Codes

A reference table outlining the numerical identification codes, resin materials, and common uses for plastic containers.