Untitled Flashcards Set

1. Oxidation
Definition: The loss of electrons during a reaction.
Memory Trick: OIL — "Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons)"
Example: Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻

2. Reduction
Definition: The gain of electrons during a reaction.
Memory Trick: RIG — "Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)"
Example: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu

3. Redox Reaction
Definition: A reaction that involves both oxidation and reduction.
Memory Trick: REDuction + OXidation = REDOX
Note: Think of it as electron trade.

4. Activity Series
Definition: A list of metals ranked by how easily they are oxidized.
Memory Trick: "More active = loses electrons more easily = higher up"

5. Electronegativity
Definition: An atom’s ability to attract electrons in a bond.
Memory Trick: "High electronegativity = electron hog"

6. Half-Reactions
Definition: Equations that show either oxidation or reduction alone.
Memory Trick: Think of it as splitting a redox into two “half” reactions.

7. Electrochemical Cell
Definition: A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy (or vice versa).
Memory Trick: "Electro = electrons, Chemical = reaction"

8. Voltaic (Galvanic) Cell
Definition: A cell that produces electricity from a spontaneous redox reaction.
Memory Trick: "Volta = Voltage" → it makes electricity

9. Electrolyte
Definition: A solution that conducts electricity by allowing ion flow.
Memory Trick: "Electro = electricity, lyte = light"

10. Salt Bridge
Definition: A tube with ions that connects two half-cells and keeps charge balanced.
Memory Trick: Think of it as the “ion highway"

11. Porous Disk
Definition: A barrier that lets ions pass but keeps solutions separate.
Memory Trick: Like a coffee filter for ions

12. Anode
Definition: The electrode where oxidation occurs.
Memory Trick: Anode = Oxidation → “An Ox”
In voltaic cells: negative electrode

13. Cathode
Definition: The electrode where reduction occurs.
Memory Trick: Reduction happens at the Cathode → “Red Cat”
In voltaic cells: positive electrode

14. Electrical Potential
Definition: The ability of a system to do work by moving electrons.
Memory Trick: Think of it like battery “push”
Unit: Volts (V)

15. Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)
Definition: The voltage of a cell under standard conditions (1M, 1 atm, 25°C).
Memory Trick: “Standard = lab conditions”
Formula: E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode

16. Reduction Potential
Definition: A measure of how easily a substance gains electrons.
Memory Trick: "High potential = loves electrons"