Reactivity and Mechanisms of Chemical Change

These flashcards cover key concepts related to reactivity and the mechanisms of chemical change, including definitions and explanations of oxidation, reduction, electrolysis, and related processes.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons in a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons in a chemical reaction.

Redox Reaction

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

Oxidizing Agent

The substance that gains electrons and gets reduced in a redox reaction.

Reducing Agent

The substance that loses electrons and gets oxidized in a redox reaction.

Oxidation State

The charge an atom would have in a compound if the compound were composed of ions.

Electrolysis

The process of using electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Electrolysis of Water

The process of decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen gases using electricity.

Electroplating

The process of depositing a layer of metal on top of another material using electrolysis.

Faraday Constant (F)

The charge of one mole of electrons, approximately 96,500 C/mol.

Standard Electrode Potential (Eመ)

The measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, measured under standard conditions.

Gibbs Free Energy Change (ΔG)

The change in free energy associated with a chemical reaction, which indicates spontaneity.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell.

Anode

The electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell.

Sacrificial Anode

A metal electrode that corroded to protect another metal structure from corrosion.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy.

Selective Discharge

The preferential discharge of one ion over another during electrolysis.

Copper Purification

An electrolytic process used to purify copper by depositing pure copper from a solution of copper ions.