Electrochemistry Notes Review

These flashcards cover the fundamental vocabulary necessary for understanding electrochemistry, including key concepts related to oxidation/reduction reactions, electrochemical cells, and thermodynamics related to electrode potentials.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons by a species.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by a species.

Oxidizing agent

A substance that accepts electrons in a reaction.

Reducing agent

A substance that donates electrons in a reaction.

Redox reaction

An oxidation/reduction reaction where electrons are transferred between reactants.

Half-reaction

An equation that shows either the oxidation or reduction part of a redox reaction.

Cell potential

The voltage produced by an electrochemical cell, indicating the tendency of the cell reaction to proceed.

Electrochemical cell

A device that generates electrical energy from chemical reactions or facilitates chemical reactions through electrical energy.

Salt bridge

A device used to maintain electrical neutrality in electrochemical cells by allowing ions to flow between compartments.

Nernst equation

An equation that relates the cell potential to the concentrations of the reactants and products.

Standard electrode potential (E°)

The potential of a half-cell under standard conditions when all reactants and products are at unit activity.

Formal potential (E*)

The potential of a half-cell measured under conditions where the concentrations of reactants and products are specified.

Galvanic cell

An electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous reactions.

Electrolytic cell

An electrochemical cell that requires external energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Equilibrium constant (K)

A value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium.

Faraday's constant (F)

The charge of one mole of electrons, approximately 96485 C/mol.

Spontaneous reaction

A reaction that proceeds without external influence, indicated by a positive cell potential.

Ionic conduction

The transport of charge carriers (ions) in solution.