Galvanic Cells

Galvanic Cells

A spontaneous reaction that consists of half-reactions that occur in two compartments of the cells

Location of oxidation in galvanic cell

Occurs at the anode (-)

Location of reduction in galvanic cells

Occurs at the cathode (+)

Salt bridge

Contains ions that are free to move so they can balance the charges formed

Flow of ions in salt bridge

Cations to cathode, anions to anode

Metal/metal ion half cell

Metal element placed in an aqueous solution of its ions

Non-metal/ non-metal ion half cell

Non-metals can also be at equilibrium with its non-metal ions

The standard hydrogen cell

1M of HCl

Hydrogen gas at 1atm

298K temperature

An inert platinum electrode to allow for electrons to pass in and out of the cell

Metal ion/metal ion half cell

Contains ions of the same element in different oxidation states