Galvanic Cells Overview

Galvanic Cell

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, essentially functioning as a battery.

Electrode

A metal that conducts electricity, typically involved in facilitating the chemical reactions in a galvanic cell.

Salt Bridge

A device used to connect two half-cells in a galvanic cell, preventing charge buildup and maintaining electrical neutrality.

Cell Potential

The voltage developed by a galvanic cell

For the salt bridge..

anions flow to anode and cations to cathode (too keep neutral)

Negative cell potential

occurs when a galvanic cell is unable to produce a positive voltage, indicating that the reaction is non-spontaneous.

Lowest charge a voltaic cell can have

is zero, meaning it cannot produce electricity.

How to increase voltage of Galvanic cell

Increase concentration of reactants, increase surface area, use stronger oxidizing agents.

E > E°

Indicates that the non-standard cell potential is greater than the standard cell potential when there is a high concentration of reactants or low concentration of products.

E < E°

indicates that the non-standard cell potential is less than the standard cell potential, often due to low concentrations of reactants or high concentrations of products.