Electrochemistry Fundamentals

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to electrochemistry, including redox reactions, electrochemical cells, and related processes.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons from a chemical species.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by a chemical species.

Redox Reaction

A reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two chemical species.

Half-Equations

Equations that show the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction.

Electrochemical Series

A list that ranks elements and compounds based on their standard electrode potentials.

Corrosion

An electrochemical process where substances in the environment oxidize metals.

Galvanic Cell

An electrochemical cell that generates electrical energy from a spontaneous redox reaction.

Anode

The electrode where oxidation occurs.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs.

Salt Bridge

A device that maintains electroneutrality in an electrochemical cell by allowing the flow of ions.

Faraday's Laws

Laws that relate the amount of substance produced or consumed in electrolysis to the amount of electric charge passed through the electrolyte.

Electrolytic Cell

A cell that uses an external electrical potential to drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction.

Electrode Potential

A measure of the ability of an electrode to drive a redox reaction.

Oxidising Agent

A substance that gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction.

Reducing Agent

A substance that loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction.

Electrorefining

A process that uses electrolysis to purify metals.

Electroplating

A method used to deposit a layer of metal onto a surface using an electric current.