Electrochemistry

Electrochemical cells

• Spontaneous redox reactions that generate electricity

• Chemical energy is being converted to electrical energy

• Also called Galvanic or Voltaic cells

• Ex: car and phone batteries

Electrolytic cells

non-spontaneous reactions that use up electricity

Need an external power source

Ex: charging a battery

Electrode

A conductor to make contact with a non-metallic part of a circuit, in an electrochemical cell it is referred to as a cathode or anode

Anode

an electrode that goes through oxidation (loses electrons)

Cathode

An electrode that goes through reduction (gains electrons)

What does the voltage depend on?

• Material/metal type of electrodes

• Types and concentrations of the solutions

• the temperature of the solution (measure of kinetic energy of particles)

Voltage

The force/pressure that makes electrons flow through a circuit