Redox/Electrochemistry Vocab

Anode

 the electrode at which oxidation occurs (negative)

Cathode

 the electrode at which reduction occurs (positive)

Electrode

a conductor in a circuit that carries electrons to or from a substance other than a metal

Electrochemical cell

a cell that uses electricity from an outside source to force a nonspontaneous redox reaction to occur ; Ex. recharging batteries, electroplating

Electroplating

an electrolytic process that involves oxidizing a source of metal into a solution with the use of an external power source and then reducing the metal ion onto a metallic object that is to be plated (“silver plated”)

Half Reaction

 a reaction that describes the change in oxidation number and subsequent gain or loss of electrons that occurs during oxidation or reduction

Oxidation

a process that involves complete or partial loss of electrons of gain of oxygen; results in an increase in the oxidation number

Oxidizing Agent

the species that is reduced and therefore removes the electrons from the species that was oxidized

Oxidation Number

the charge of an ion

Redox Reaction

another name for an oxidation-reduction reaction; a reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between reactants

Reducing Agent

the species that is oxidized and therefore gives electrons to the species that was reduced

Salt Bridge

a tube containing a strong electrolyte used to separate the half-cells in a voltaic cell; it allows the passage of ion from one half-cell to the other but prevents the solutions from mixing

Species

the symbol and charge of an element or ion in a redox reaction

Voltaic Cell

 an electrochemical cell that produces electric current as a result of a spontaneous redox reaction; used to make batteries. Consists of two half-cells connected by a salt bridge ns two electrodes that connect to a load(device) that uses the electricity produced by the cell