Electrochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Thermodynamics & Kinetics: Key Concepts Review

What is the difference between Galvanic and Electrolytic cells?

Galvanic cells are spontaneous with ΔG° < 0 and E°cell > 0, producing electrical energy. Electrolytic cells are nonspontaneous and require electrical energy input.

Where does oxidation and reduction occur in a galvanic cell?

Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.

What is the standard notation for cell diagrams?

The standard notation is: anode | anode ion || cathode ion | cathode.

How can you determine cell voltage and spontaneity?

By using a table of standard reduction potentials; the half-reaction with the larger reduction potential undergoes reduction at the cathode.

What is the relationship between cell potential, Gibbs free energy, and the equilibrium constant?

Cell potential is related to Gibbs free energy and the equilibrium constant through ΔG° = -nFE° and E° = (RT/nF)lnK.

What is the Nernst Equation used for?

It calculates cell potentials under nonstandard conditions using the reaction quotient: E = E° - (0.0592/n)logQ.

How do you calculate the amount of product formed during electrolysis?

By interconverting current, time, and charge using Faraday's constant (96485 C/mol e⁻).

What particles are involved in nuclear reactions?

Alpha (⁴He₂), beta (⁰e₋₁), positron (⁰e₊₁), neutrons (¹n₀), and protons (¹H₁).

How do you balance nuclear reactions?

The sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation.

What is nuclear fission?

It involves bombarding a heavy nucleus with a neutron to split it into smaller nuclei, producing more neutrons.

What is the order of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is always a first-order kinetic process.

What is entropy (S)?

Entropy is a measure of a system's disorder or randomness, increasing with temperature and complexity.

What indicates a spontaneous process in terms of Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG)?

A process is spontaneous if ΔG is negative (ΔG < 0).

How can you calculate standard free energy (ΔG°)?

Using Hess's Law: ΔG°rxn = ΣnΔG°f(products) - ΣmΔG°f(reactants).

What defines the equilibrium state?

Equilibrium is reached when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.

What is the difference between K and Q?

K is the equilibrium constant at equilibrium, while Q is the reaction quotient at any moment.

What does Le Chatelier's Principle state?

If a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will shift to counteract it.

What is the rate law?

The rate law (Rate = k[A]ˣ[B]ʸ) shows how the rate depends on reactant concentrations and must be determined experimentally.

What is required for a reaction to occur according to Collision Theory?

Molecules must collide with the correct orientation and sufficient energy, known as the activation energy (Ea).

How do catalysts affect reaction rates?

Catalysts increase the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.