GALVANIC AND ELECTROLYTIC CELLS

REDOX REACTIONS OXIDATION REDUCTION

A reaction in which a substance loses electrons

A reaction in which a substance gains electrons

Mg Mg2+ + 2e-

oxidation reaction

reducing agent (donates electrons and so can cause reduction)

Cl2 + 2e- 2Cl-

reduction reaction

oxidising agent (accepts electrons and so can cause oxidation)

Mg Mg2+ + 2eCl2 + 2e- 2ClMg + Cl2 MgCl2

Mg is oxidised (1)
Cl2 is reduced (2) Redox reaction

The electrons cancel each other out.

MgCl2 is an ionic compound (Mg2+ 2Cl-)

The equation shows 2 half reactions (1 and 2) that add to give the full redox reaction.

DIRECT ELECTRON TRANSFER

A coil of copper was placed in a silver nitrate solution

The solution became blue because copper ions were formed. Solid silver deposited on the copper wire.

From the observations we can infer that:

Cu Cu2+ + 2eAg+ + e- Ag

Electrons are transferred from the copper atoms on the piece of copper, to the silver ions in the silver nitrate solution. This is a redox reaction.

This is a spontaneous reaction.

A GALVANIC CELL

THE ZINC-COPPER CELL

The following observations were made: the zinc plate decreases in mass. the copper plate increases in mass. the voltmeter reading indicates that electrons flow from the zinc plate to the copper plate.

From these observations we can infer that

The salt bridge: is a gel solution that connects the two electrolyte solutions that the metals dip into. acts as a transfer medium that allows ions to flow through but prevents the two solutions mixing. completes the circuit allowing electrons to flow through the connecting wire.

The redox reaction for the cell:

Zn(s) Zn(aq)2+ + 2eCu(aq)2+ + 2e- Cu(s) Zn(s) + Cu(aq)2+ Zn (aq)2+ + Cu(s) The zinc dissolves the mass of the zinc plate decreases. The copper plate increases in mass because copper ions deposit as copper metal.

The electrodes:
Each metal strip is an electrode. Each electrode with its associated electrolyte solution, is called a half cell. The electrode where oxidation occurs is the ANODE. It has a negative charge. The electrode where reduction occurs is the CATHODE. It has a positive charge.

Cell notation: Zn / Zn2+ // Cu2+ / Cu

Write the anode half reaction first salt bridge (//) then the cathode half reaction

Zinc atoms are oxidised to Zn2+ ions (anode).

Cu2+ ions are reduced to copper atoms (cathode). Reduction written on the Right

ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
Source of energy Positive electrode Negative electrode

A battery is always required in this type of cell.

Chemical reactions occurring in the cell:

Na+ ions are attracted to the negative electrode, where they gain electrons. Na+(aq)
+

e- Na(s)

Reduction occurs at the negative electrode the CATHODE.

Cl- ions are attracted to the positive electrode, where they lose electrons. Cl-(aq) Cl -(g) + eOxidation occurs at the positive electrode the ANODE.

Comparison of galvanic and electrolytic cells.

Galvanic cell Produces an emf from a chemical reaction Electrolytic cell Uses the emf of a cell to produce a chemical reaction Electrical potential energy converted to chemical potential energy Positive terminal - anode

Chemical potential energy converted to electrical potential energy Positive terminal cathode Two containers each with One container with both an electrodes electrodes dipping in

What should you be able to do? distinguish between galvanic and electrolytic cells.
write equations for the reactions occurring in galvanic and electrolytic cells. explain the difference between oxidation and reduction and explain why the two types of reactions go together. label diagrams of galvanic and electrolytic cells.