Electrochemistry- Voltaic cell applications

most common use for electrochemical cells

DRY CELLS & BATTERIES - the most common use for electrochemical cells is producing an electric current from batteries.

what is the ZINC-CARBON DRY CELL

The Zn electrode (the container itself) oxidizes in the presence of an ox. agent composed of a mixture of NH4Cl, H2O, ZnCl2, MnO2, and carbon surrounding an inert carbon electrode.

what are MERCURY AND ALKALINE CELLS

The metal (usually Zn) oxidizes in the presence of an oxidizing agent consisting of a mixture of mercury oxide and hydroxide.

what are STORAGE BATTERIES (automotive)

The typical lead-acid storage battery used in cars consists of: lead plates (sponge lead and lead dioxide) in a grid, a liquid electrolyte of sulfuric acid and water, and plastic separators to keep plates apart

 

 

 

 

 

 

how to determine the charge remaining in a storage battery

As the reaction proceeds right, [HSO4-] ↓. This lowers the density of the electrolyte and makes for a simple way of determining the charge remaining in the battery.

how can a storage battery be recharged

This electrochemical cell can be recharged by applying at least 2.04 V/cell in the reverse direction. For 6 cells (normal), the voltage used is a little over 13 V.

what happens at the electrodes when the storage cell is recharging

When recharging, the reverse reaction proceeds, and the PbSO4 changes back into Pb at the anode and PbO2 at the cathode