Chemistry in Context - Energy Storage

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to energy storage, batteries, and fuel cells from the lecture notes.

Galvanic Cell

A device that converts the energy released in a spontaneous chemical reaction into electrical energy.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred between two substances.

Half-Reaction

Represents either the oxidation or reduction part of a redox reaction, showing the electron transfer.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons in a redox reaction.

Reduction

The gaining of electrons in a redox reaction.

Electricity

The flow of electrons from one region to another, driven by a difference in potential energy.

Electrodes

Electrical conductors placed in a cell as sites for chemical reactions.

Voltage

The difference in electrochemical potential between two electrodes, measured in volts.

Current (I)

The rate of electron flow, measured in amperes (amps, A).

Ohm’s Law

Relates voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.

Anode

The electrode where oxidation takes place.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction takes place.

Battery

A system for the direct conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy.

Primary Battery

A non-rechargeable battery where redox reactions proceed in one direction.

Secondary Battery

A rechargeable battery capable of running redox reactions in either direction.

Energy Density

Relates the number of ions stored in an electrode to the weight or volume of the battery.

Supercapacitor

An energy storage device with very fast charge times, high cycle life, and moderate energy.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A vehicle that combines the use of gasoline and battery technologies.

Fuel Cell

A galvanic cell that produces electricity by converting the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity without burning the fuel.

Metal Hydrides

Compounds that can reversibly store significant amounts of H2 per unit mass and provide the safest way to store hydrogen gas.