14 - Electrochemistry

What’s another name for an oxidizing agent?

Oxidant

What’s another name for a Reducing Agent?

Reductant

Anote is the site of

Oxidation

Cathode is the site of

Reduction

For an activity series and determining spontaneity

The species getting oxidized has to be higher up on the activity series list than the element getting reduced to be spontaneous

Galvanic cells are also called

Voltaic cells

What are the characteristics of galvanic (voltaic) cells?

Spontaneous (ΔG<0, Ecell>0)

Produce electricity (like batteries)

Anode is negative and Cathode is positive

Electrons flow from avode to cathode

What are the characteristics of electrolytic cells?

Nonspontaneous (ΔG>0, Ecell<0)

Consumes electricity

Anode is positive, and cathode is negative

Electrons flow from anode to cathode

Why do electrolytic cells need a power source?

To push the electrons to the negatively charged cathode

What would be the products of electrolysis of NaI?

Na and I

How do you determine which species is at the cathode or anode

Compare teh oxidation states before and after electrolysis and see if number is reduced or oxidized and remember that if it’s reduced it’s the cathode and if it’s oxidized it’s the anode

How do you find the standard cell potentials?

E = Ered - Eox