Electrochemistry

Redox Reaction

A reaction involving the transfer of electrons

Oxidation

The loss of electrons

Reduction

The gain of electrons

Oxidising agent

A substance that accepts electrons

Reducing agent

A substance that donates electrons

Anode

The electrode where oxidation takes place

Cathode

The electrode where reduction takes place

Electrolyte

A substance that can conduct electricity due to the presence of free (mobile) ions when molten or dissolved in solution

State that the galvanic cell has the capacity to ...

Deliver current until the reaction reaches chemical equilibrium or has run to completion

State that once a galvanic cell reaches chemical equilibrium or has run to completion the voltage of the cell equals

Zero

State that increased surface area of the electrodes

Increases the rate of reaction by lowering the internal resistance and increasing the maximum current that the cell can deliver, but does not effect the emf of the cell

State that wider, shorter and/or more conductive salt bridge

Lowers internal resistance thereby increasing the maximum current that the cell can deliver, but does not affect the emf of the cell

Describe an electrolytic cell as

An electrochemical cell that uses electrical energy to cause a non-spontaneous redox reaction to occur. Thus, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy