AP* Chemistry

ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Terms to Know:
Electrochemistry the study of the interchange of chemical and electrical energy
Voltaic or Galvanic Cell IS a battery but not a dry cell; generates useful electrical energy
Electrolytic Cell requires useful electrical energy to drive a thermodynamically unfavorable reaction
OIL RIG oxidation is loss, reduction is gain (of electrons)
Oxidation the loss of electrons, increase in charge
Reduction the gain of electrons, reduction of charge
Oxidation number the assigned charge on an atom

Electrochemistry Involves TWO MAIN TYPES Of Electrochemical Cells:

1. Galvanic (voltaic) cells which are thermodynamically favorable chemical reactions (battery)
2. Electrolytic cells which are thermodynamically unfavorable and require external e source
(a direct current or DC power source)

BOTH of these fit into the category entitled Electrochemical cells

*AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of this product. 2013 by Ren McCormick.
All rights reserved.

GALVANIC or VOLTAIC CELL ANATOMY

Anode the electrode where oxidation occurs. After a period of time, the anode may appear to become
smaller as it falls into solution. (Zn in our illustration below)

Cathode the electrode where reduction occurs. After a period of time it may appear larger, due to ions
from solution plating onto it. (Cu in our illustration below)

Inert electrodes used when a gas is involved OR ion to ion involved such as Fe3+ being reduced to Fe2+
rather than Fe0; made of Pt (expensive) or graphite (cheap)

Salt bridge used to maintain electrical neutrality in a galvanic cell; may be filled with agar which contains
a neutral salt

Electron flow ALWAYS through the wire from anode to cathode (alphabetical order)

Voltmeter measures the cell potential (emf) in volts.

Examine the diagram above. Take note of the following mnemonic devices (easy ways to remember stuff):
All of the following refer to the construction of a thermodynamically favorable cell one that can act as a
battery:
AN OX oxidation occurs at the anode (may show mass decrease)
RED CAT reduction occurs at the cathode (may show mass increase)
FAT CAT The electrons in a voltaic or galvanic cell ALWAYS flow

From the Anode To the CAThode

Ca+hode the cathode is + in galvanic (voltaic) cells, so it stands to reason the anode is negative
Salt Bridge bridge between cells whose purpose is to provide ions to balance the charge.
Usually made of a salt filled agar (KNO3) or a porous disk may be present instead.
EPA in an electrolytic cell, there is a positive anode.

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Electrochemistry

Galvanic cells involve oxidation-reduction or redox reactions. Balance this redox reaction:
MnO4 + Fe2+

Mn2+ + Fe3+

[acidic]

RED:

OX:

Overall rxn:

If we place MnO4 and Fe2+ in the same container, the electrons are transferred directly when the reactants
collide. No useful work is obtained from the chemical energy involved which is instead, released as heat!
We can harness this energy if we separate the oxidizing agent from the reducing agent, thus requiring the e
transfer to occur through a wire! We can harness the energy that way to run a motor, light a bulb, etc.
Sustained electron flow cannot occur in the picture above.
Why not? As soon as electrons flow, a separation of charge occurs which in turn stops the flow of electrons.
How do we fix it? Add a salt bridge or allow flow through a porous disk.

Salt Bridge its job is to balance the

charge using an electrolyte [usually in a Ushaped tube filled with agar that has the salt
dissolved into it before it gels]. It connects
the two compartments, ions flow from it,
AND it keeps each cell neutral.
Use KNO3 as the salt when constructing
your own diagram so that no precipitation
occurs!

porous disk or cup also allows both cells

to remain neutral by allowing ions to flow

cell potential Ecell, Emf, or cellit is a measure of the electromotive force or the pull of the electrons as
they travel from the anode to the cathode [more on that later!]
volt (V) the unit of electrical potential; equal to 1 joule of work per coulomb of charge transferred
voltmeter measures electrical potential; some energy is lost as heat [resistance] which keeps the
voltmeter reading a tad lower than the actual or calculated voltage. Digital voltmeters have less
resistance. If you want to get picky and eliminate the error introduced by resistance, you attach a
variable-external power source called a potentiometer. Adjust it so that zero current flowsthe
accurate voltage is then equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the reading on the potentiometer.

Heres a nice animation from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raOj8QGDkPA

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Electrochemistry

ORIGIN OF STANDARD REDUCTION POTENTIALS

Each half-reaction has a cell potential

Each potential is measured against a standard, which is the
standard hydrogen electrode [consists of a piece of inert
Platinum that is bathed by hydrogen gas at
1 atm].
The hydrogen electrode is assigned a value of 0.00 V
much like the isotope C-12 is assigned an atomic mass of
exactly 12.000 amu and all other atomic masses are measured relative to it.

standard conditions 1 atm for gases, 1.0M for solutions and 25C for all (298 K)
naught, we use the naught to indicate standard conditions [Experiencing a thermo flashback?]
That means Ecell, Emf, or cell become Ecello , Emfo , or cello when
measurements are taken at standard conditions. Youll soon learn
how these change when the conditions are non-standard!

The diagram to the right illustrates what really happens when a

Galvanic cell is constructed from zinc sulfate and copper(II)
sulfate using the respective metals as electrodes.

Notice that 1.0 M solutions of each salt are used

Notice an overall voltage of 1.10 V for the process

So, how do we construct a fully functional Galvanic or Voltaic cell?

First, we must make wise choices depending on materials available and cost. Knowing how to choose wisely is
our next lesson! We need to interpret the data given on the table of standard reduction potentials as we engineer
our Galvanic or Voltaic cell.

Interpreting a Table of Standard Electrode Potentials

Elements that have the most positive reduction potentials are easily reduced (in general, non-metals)
Elements that have the least positive reduction potentials are easily oxidized (in general, metals)
The reduction potential table can also be used as an activity series. Metals having less positive reduction
potentials are more active and will replace metals with more positive potentials.

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Electrochemistry

Let the engineering begin! The MORE POSITIVE reduction potential gets to indeed be reduced IF
you are trying to set up a cell that can act as a galvanic or voltaic cell (a battery in other words).
There once was a table of reduction potentials in the reference tables of the AP Chemistry exam.
Currently, we expect the data will be given in either a small table or simply embedded within the text
of the question. For your homework, youll need to consult a table similar to this one.

Calculating Standard Cell Potential Symbolized by Ecell OR Emf OR cell [Ill mix and match!]
1. Decide which element is oxidized or reduced using the table of reduction potentials. Once again,
THE Metal with the MORE POSITIVE REDUCTION POTENITAL gets to be REDUCED.
So, it stands to reason that the other metal is oxidized!
2. Write both equations AS IS from the chart with their associated voltages.
3. Reverse the equation that will be oxidized and change the sign of its voltage [this is now Eoxidation]
4. Balance the two half reactions **do not multiply voltage values** Why not?
J
A volt is equivalent to a J/coulomb or which is a ratio.
c
5. Add the two half reactions and the voltages together.
6. Ecell = Eoxidation + Ereduction

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Electrochemistry

means standard conditions: 1atm, 1M, 25C

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ANIONS from the salt move

to the anode while
CATIONS from the salt
move to the cathode!

Exercise 1
a. Consider a galvanic cell based on the reaction
Al3+(aq) + Mg(s) Al(s) + Mg2+(aq)
Give the balanced cell reaction and calculate E for the cell.

b. A galvanic cell is based on the reaction [youll need a more complete table of reduction potentials!]
MnO4(aq) + H+(aq) + ClO3(aq) ClO4(aq) + Mn2+(aq) + H2O(l)
Give the balanced cell reaction and calculate E for the cell.

A: 0.71 V
B: 0.32 V

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Electrochemistry

Exercise 2
Calculate the cell voltage for the galvanic cell that would utilize silver metal and involve iron(II) ion and
iron(III) ion. Draw a diagram of the galvanic cell for the reaction and label completely.

Ecell= 0.03 V
CELL POTENTIAL, ELECTRICAL WORK & FREE ENERGY
It is time to combine the thermodynamics and the electrochemistry, not to mention a wee bit of physics.

The work that can be accomplished when electrons are transferred through a wire depends on the push or
emf which is defined in terms of a potential difference [in volts] between two points in the circuit.
emf (V )= =

work (J)
charge(C)

Thus one joule of work is produced [or required] when one coulomb of charge is transferred between two
points in the circuit that differ by a potential of one volt

IF work flows OUT of the system, it is assigned a MINUS sign (makes sense since Joules were LOST)

When a cell produces a current, the cell potential is positive and the current can be used to do work
THEREFORE and work have opposite signs!

work (J)
w
=
w = q
charge(C)
q

faraday(F)the charge on one MOLE of electrons = 96,485 coulombs (Think 96,500 when
answering multiple choice questions )

q = # moles of electrons F

For a process carried out at constant temperature and pressure, wmax [neglecting the very small amount
of energy that is lost as friction or heat] is equal to G, therefore.

Go = nFEo
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Electrochemistry

G = Gibbs free energy

n = number of moles of electrons
F = Faraday constant 96,485

J
V mol

So, it follows that:

Eo implies thermodynamically unfavorable.

+Eo implies thermodynamically favorable (would be a good battery!)
Exercise 3
Using the table of standard reduction potentials, calculate G for the reaction
Cu2+(aq) + Fe(s) Cu(s) + Fe2+(aq)

Explain whether or not this reaction is thermodynamically favorable.

Exercise 4
Using the table of standard reduction potentials, predict whether 1 M HNO3 will dissolve gold metal to form a
1 M Au3+ solution.

= no

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Electrochemistry

DEPENDENCE OF CELL POTENTIAL ON CONCENTRATION

Voltaic cells at NONstandard conditions: LeChatliers principle can be applied. An increase in the
concentration of a reactant will favor the forward reaction and the cell potential will increase.
The converse is also true!
Exercise 5
For the cell reaction

2Al(s) + 3Mn2+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Mn(s)

Ecell =

predict whether Ecell is larger or smaller than Ecell for the following cases and justify your answer.
a. [Al3+ ] = 2.0 M, [Mn2+ ] = 1.0 M
b. [Al3+ ] = 1.0 M, [Mn2+] = 3.0 M
a. smaller
b. larger
NMSI Disclaimer: The curriculum framework for the course excludes the quantitative treatment of the Nernst Equation, but we feel it is in the
best interest of the student to learn this concept for two reasons:
1)

It makes students more college ready, especially the students that will earn a qualifying score and obtain full credit for the university
course.

2)

At least half of the students in any given AP Chemistry course are mathematically inclined and may actually understand a concept better
through the application of the mathematics of Q and how it relates back to LeChteliers Principle.

For a more quantitative approach at nonstandard conditions use the Nernst Equation:
E= E

RT
ln Q
nF

R = Gas constant 8.315 J/K mol

F = Faraday constant

[ products]
coefficient
[ reactants]
coefficient

Q = reaction quotient =

E = Energy produced by reaction

T = Temperature in Kelvins
n = # of electrons exchanged in BALANCED redox equation
Rearranged, another useful form

NERNST EQUATION:

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Electrochemistry

E= E

0.0592
log Q @ 25C (298K)
n

As E declines with reactants being converted into products, E eventually reaches zero.

Zero potential means reaction is at equilibrium [dead battery]. Also note, Q = K AND G = 0 as well.
CONCENTRATION CELLS
We can construct a cell where both compartments contain the same components
BUT at different concentrations
Notice the difference in the concentrations pictured at left. Because the right
compartment contains 1.0 M Ag+ and the left compartment contains 0.10 M Ag+,
there will be a driving force to transfer electrons from left to right. Silver will be
deposited on the right electrode, thus lowering the concentration of Ag+ in the
right compartment. In the left compartment the silver electrode dissolves
[producing Ag+ ions] to raise the concentration of Ag+ in solution.
Exercise 6
Determine the direction of electron flow and designate the anode and cathode for the cell represented here.

left right
Exercise 7
Determine Eocell and Ecell based on the following half-reactions:
VO2+ + 2H+ + e VO2+ + H2O
Zn2+ + 2e Zn

E= 1.00 V
E = 0.76V

Where,
T = 25C
[VO2+] = 2.0 M
[H+] = 0.50 M
[VO2+] = 1.0 102 M
[Zn2+] = 1.0 101 M

Eocell = 1.76 V
Ecell = 1.89 V

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Electrochemistry

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SUMMARY OF GIBBS FREE ENERGY AND CELLS

Eo implies thermodynamically unfavorable.
+Eo implies thermodynamically favorable (would be a good battery!)
E = 0, equilibrium reached (dead battery)
larger the voltage, more thermodynamically favorable the reaction
G will be negative in thermodynamically favorable reactions
K > 1 are favored
Two important equations:
G = nFE [minus nunfe]
G = RTlnK [ratlink]
G = Gibbs free energy [Reaction is thermodynamically favorable if G is negative]
n = number of moles of electrons.
F = Faraday constant 9.6485 104 J/V (1 mol of electrons carries 96,485 C )
E = cell potential
R = 8.31 J/molK
T = Kelvin temperature
K = equilibrium constant [products]coeff. /[reactants]coeff
**Favored conditions: Ecell > 0
Exercise 8
For the oxidation-reduction reaction

G < 0

K > 1**

S4O62(aq) + Cr2+(aq) Cr3+(aq) + S2O32(aq)

The appropriate half-reactions are

S4O62 + 2 e 2 S2O32
Cr3+ + e Cr2+

E = 0.17V
E = 0.50 V

Balance the redox reaction, and calculate E and K (at 25C).

52.2

K=e

E = 0.67 V
= 4.8 1022

Applications of Galvanic Cells

Batteries: cells connected in series; potentials add together to give a total voltage
Examples:
Lead-storage batteries (car): Pb anode, PbO2 cathode, H2SO4 electrolyte
Dry cell batteries
Acid versions: Zn anode, C cathode; MnO2 and NH4Cl paste
Alkaline versions: some type of basic paste, ex. KOH
Nickel-cadmium anode and cathode can be recharged
Fuel cells
Reactants continuously supplied (spacecraft hydrogen and oxygen)
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Electrochemistry

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ELECTROLYSIS AND ELECTROLYTIC CELLS

Electrolysis involves the application of an electric current to bring about
chemical change. Literal translation split with electricity.
2H2O(aq) + electrical energy 2H2(g) + O2(g)
Electrolytic cells [thermodynamically unfavorable cells]:
Used to separate ores or plate out metals.
Important differences between a voltaic cells and electrolytic cells:
1. Voltaic cells are thermodynamically favorable and electrolytic cells are NOT and are thus forced to
occur by using an electron pump or battery or any type of DC source.
2. A voltaic cell is separated into two half cells to generate electricity; an electrolytic cell occurs in a
single container.

3. A voltaic [or galvanic] cell IS a battery, an electrolytic cell NEEDS a battery

4. AN OX and RED CAT still apply BUT the polarity of the electrodes is reversed. The cathode is
Negative and the anode is Positive (remember E.P.A electrolytic positive anode). However,
electrons still flow FATCAT.
5. Electrolytic cells usually use inert electrodes (Pt or graphite for example)
We can also use electrolysis to recover metals from solution through the
passage of a direct electric current through an ionic substance that is either
molten or dissolved in a suitable solvent, resulting in chemical reactions at the
electrodes and separation of materials.
This picture shows a Petri dish containing a solution of tin(II) chloride with
alligator clips attached to paper clips that are submerged into the solution.
The net ionic reaction is: SnCl2(aq) Sn(s) + 2Cl(aq)
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Electrochemistry

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Predicting the Products of Electrolysis:

If there is no water present and you have a pure molten ionic compound, then:
the cation will be reduced (gain electrons/go down in charge)
the anion will be oxidized (lose electrons/go up in charge)
If water is present and you have an aqueous solution of the ionic compound, then:
youll need to figure out if the ions are reacting or the water is reacting.
you can always look at a reduction potential table to figure it
out but, as a rule of thumb:
no group IA or IIA metal will be reduced in an aqueous solution
water will be reduced instead
no polyatomic will be oxidized in an aqueous solution
water will be oxidized instead

Half Reactions for the electrolysis of water (no need to memorize)

If Oxidized:

2 H2O O2 + 4 H+ + 4 e

If Reduced:

2 H2O + 2 e H2 + 2 OH

CALCULATING THE ELECTRICAL ENERGY OF ELECTROLYSIS

There are basically only two questions we can ask about electrolysis on the AP Chemistry exam so, this may be
viewed as good news!
How many grams of metal could be plated out if the time and amount of electrical current measured in amps
are given?
How long would it take to plate out a given mass of metal if the current is given in amps?
Faradays Law: The amount of a substance being oxidized or reduced at each electrode during electrolysis is
directly proportional to the amount of electricity that passes through the cell. This is great news since direct
proportions lead to simple mathematical equations or formulas for us to employ!
Use dimensional analysis for these calculations, remembering:

# coulombs = It

Think of these relationships as tools for your problem solving toolbox:

J
c

1 Volt = 1 Joule/Coulomb or you may prefer

c
1 , either way, its a rate of the flow of charge
s
(Note: The unit for current is amp, but symbolized by I for inductance)
c
1 Faraday = 96,485 Coulombs/mole of electrons or you may prefer 96, 485
mole of e

Luckily, the balanced redox equation gives #moles of e /mole of substance and MM gives the number
of grams/mole

1 Amp = 1 Coulomb/second or you may prefer

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Electrochemistry

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Exercise 9
How long must a current of 5.00 A be applied to a solution of Ag+ to produce 10.5 g silver metal?

= 31.3 min

Exercise 10
An acidic solution contains the ions Ce4+ , VO2+ , and Fe3+ . Using the E values listed in Table 17.1
[Zumdahl], give the order of oxidizing ability of these species and predict which one will be reduced at the
cathode of an electrolytic cell at the lowest voltage.

Ce4+ > VO2+ > Fe3+

APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
The most important is the production of pure forms of elements from mined ores which include purifying
copper for use in wiring, producing aluminum from Hall-Heroult process, and separating sodium and chlorine
using a Downs cell.

Downs cell

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Electrochemistry

Hall-Heroult process for producing Aluminum

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A counter argument can be made for stating that the most importing application of electrolytic cells involves
electroplating which applies a thin layer of an expensive metal to a less expensive one for structural or cosmetic
reasons. Pure gold is 24 carat and very soft, thus 24-carat gold rings would bend easily, thus a stronger
structure metal is electroplated with gold to produce a sturdy version of a gold ring. If you see a car with a
chrome bumper, it has also been electroplated.
Nature has a way of returning metals to their natural states, which is often their ore. We call this process
corrosion. It involves the oxidation of the metal, which causes it to lose its structural integrity and
attractiveness.
This is particularly troublesome when steel corrodes. The main component of steel is iron and about 20% of the
iron and steel produced annually is used to replace rusted metal!
You are more familiar with the products resulting from oxidizing metal than you may think! You may even
know the names of the thin oxide coating that may also server to protect metals. Ever heard of patina, tarnish,
rust, etc.?
Can we combat this corrosion? Occasionally. For instance, ship hulls often have bars of titanium attached to
them since Ti in salt water acts as the anode and is oxidized instead of the steel hull extending the life of the
vessel. Additionally, Titanium is also immune to microbiologically influenced corrosion.

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Electrochemistry

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