Electrochemistry Definitions (SAGs)

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

galvanic cell (describe)

an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of spontaneous redox reactions into electrical energy

internal resistance (know)

opposition to the flow of charge through the electrodes and electrolytes in a cell

electrolytic cell (describe)

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