UNIT 11

Oxidation Number

The charge of an atom in a compound, which can indicate how many electrons have been lost or gained.

Oxidizing Agent

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

Reducing Agent

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

Voltaic Cell

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

Anode

The electrode where oxidation occurs in both voltaic and electrolytic cells.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs in both voltaic and electrolytic cells.

Electrolytic Cell

An electrochemical cell that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Cell Potential

The measure of the voltage or electric potential difference between two electrodes in an electrochemical cell.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species, resulting in oxidation and reduction.

Draw a Voltaic Cell

Illustrate the components of a voltaic cell, including anode, cathode, electrolyte, and external circuit.

Differentiation between Voltaic and Electrolytic Cells

Voltaic cells generate electricity from spontaneous reactions, while electrolytic cells require external electricity to drive non-spontaneous reactions.

Half Reactions

The separate oxidation and reduction reactions that occur in a redox process, showing the flow of electrons.