Electrode Potentials (Fundamentals of Electrochemistry)

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions related to electrode potentials and electrochemistry, suitable for exam preparation.

What is electrochemistry?

A branch of analytical chemistry that uses electrical measurements of chemical systems for analytical purposes.

Define oxidation in redox reactions.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

Define reduction in redox reactions.

Reduction is the gain of electrons.

What unit is used to measure electric charge?

The coulomb (C) is the SI unit of electric charge.

What is Faraday's constant?

Faraday's constant, F, is 9.649 x 10^4 C/mol e−, representing the charge of one mole of electrons.

What does Ohm's Law state?

Current is directly proportional to the potential difference across a circuit and inversely proportional to the resistance.

What is the purpose of a salt bridge in a galvanic cell?

The salt bridge maintains electroneutrality by allowing the flow of ions between the two half-cells.

What is the standard reduction potential (E°)?

It is the potential for a half-reaction to gain electrons, measured under standard conditions.

What does a positive cell voltage indicate?

It indicates that electrons flow from the anode to the cathode.

How are the standard potentials of half-cells assigned?

The standard hydrogen electrode (S.H.E.) is used as a reference, assigned a potential of 0.00V at 25°C.

What is the Nernst equation used for?

The Nernst equation is used to calculate the potential of a half-cell reaction under non-standard conditions.

When do galvanic cells produce electricity?

Galvanic cells produce electricity because they are not at equilibrium.

How is the free energy change (ΔG) related to the electrical work done?

ΔG = -nFE, where n is the number of moles of electrons and F is Faraday's constant.

What do strong oxidizing agents do in terms of electrons?

Strong oxidizing agents get reduced by gaining electrons.

What are reference electrodes and their purpose?

Reference electrodes are stable electrode potentials used to measure the potential of other electrodes.

What is the effect of pH on reduction potentials?

Reduction potentials can be pH dependent, especially when H+ ions are involved in the reaction.

What happens to a galvanic cell when it reaches 0V?

The cell has reached equilibrium and is considered 'dead'.

What is the relationship between E° and the equilibrium constant (K)?

K = 10^(nE°/0.05916), linking the standard potential to the equilibrium constant.

What does the Nernst equation take into account?

The Nernst equation accounts for the concentration of the reactants and products in a redox reaction.