Redox Reactions and Voltaic Cells Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards describing the fundamental principles of redox reactions, standard reduction potentials, and the components and functions of galvanic/voltaic cells based on the CHM031 lecture.

Redox Reaction

An electron transfer reaction that is coupled, meaning no oxidation occurs if there is no reduction, and no reduction occurs if there is no oxidation.

LEORA

An acronym standing for Loss of Electron Oxidation Reducing Agent.

GEROA

An acronym standing for Gain of Electron Reduction Oxidizing Agent.

Galvanic/Voltaic Cell

Devices that generate electricity from spontaneous reactions by converting chemical energy to electrical energy.

Anode

The negative electrode in a voltaic cell where oxidation occurs and electrons are produced.

Cathode

The positive electrode in a voltaic cell where reduction occurs.

Electromotive Force (emf)

Also known as cell voltage or cell potential ($E$), it is the driving force that pushes electrons from the anode to the cathode and measures the tendency of the cell reaction to occur.

Standard Electrode Potential ($E^o$)

The cell potential measured under standard conditions: ionic concentration of $1.0\,M$, gas pressure of $1.0\,atm$, and temperature at $25^\circ C$ ($298.15\,K$).

Oxidizing Agent (Strength)

According to the standard reduction potential table, the strongest oxidizing agent (like $F_2$) has the most positive reduction potential.

Reducing Agent (Strength)

According to the standard reduction potential table, the strongest reducing agent (like $Li$) has the most negative reduction potential.

Anolyte

The electrolyte solution in which the anode is immersed.

Catholyte

The electrolyte solution in which the cathode is immersed.

Internal Circuit

Consists of the electrolyte in the salt bridge which serves to maintain electrical neutrality within the cell.

Anions (Movement)

Ions that flow towards the anolyte to neutralize the charge of cations that accumulate after oxidation.

Cations (Movement)

Ions that flow towards the catholyte to neutralize the anions.

Spontaneous Reaction ($E_{cell}$)

A reaction where the overall cell potential ($E^o$) is positive, indicating that the reaction will proceed as written.