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General Chemistry 2
Fourth Quarter
Module No. 2 of 2
ELECTROCHEMISTRY, STANDARD REDUCTION POTENTIAL & BATTERIES
Writer: Roland R. Agra

HONOR CODE
AS A MEMBER OF THE NAMUAC ACADEMY EAGLES FAMILY, I WILL CONDUCT
MYSELF WITH INTEGRITY & SINCERITY AT ALL TIMES, DEMONSTRATE COMPASSION &
JUSTICE IN ALL MY ACTIONS, UPHOLD THE VALUE OF EXCELLENCE, AND ABIDE BY THE
EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
I MAKE THIS PLEDGE IN THE SPIRIT OF HONOR & TRUST.

PERFORMANCE TASK IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Design a simple investigation to determine the effect on boiling point or freezing point when a
solid is dissolved in water

TRANSFER GOAL

GOAL To design a community plan

ROLE Scientist, environmentalist, planner
AUDIENCE Community members
SITUATION You were tasked to discuss ways to conserve materials and resources to
the community. You will present a comprehensive community plan that
will include atomic structure, gas behavior, mass relationships, and
reactions.
PRODUCT Video presentation, slideshow, narrative report
STANDARDS Content, accuracy, organization of ideas

21ST CENTURY SKILLS CORE VALUE TASK

CRITICAL THINKING Excellence
CREATIVITY Excellence
COLLABORATION Justice
CROSS CULTURAL
UNDERSTANDING
COMPUTER/ICT
CAREER/SELF RELIANCE
COMMUNICATION Integrity

SCORING RUBRIC FOR THE PERFORMANCE TASK

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1
Content
Accuracy
Organization of Ideas

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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EXPECTATION
S
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Define Bronsted acids and bases. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-153
2. Discuss the acid-base property of water. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-154
3. Calculate pH from the concentration of hydrogen ion or hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions
STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-156
4. Describe how a buffer solution maintains its pH. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-160
5. Calculate the pH of a buffer solution using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-161
6. Define oxidation and reduction reactions. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-169
7. Balance redox reactions using the change in oxidation number method. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-
170
8. Identify the reaction occurring in the different parts of the cell. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-172
9. Define reduction potential, oxidation potential, and cell potential. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-176
10. Calculate the standard cell potential. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-178
11. Relate the value of the cell potential to the feasibility of using the cell to generate an electric
current. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-179
12. Describe the electrochemistry involved in some common batteries: STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-1
a. Leclanche dry cell
b. Button batteries
c. Fuel cells
d. Lead storage battery
13. Apply electrochemical principles to explain corrosion. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-181
14. Explain the electrode reactions during electrolysis. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-182
15. Describe the reactions in some commercial electrolytic processes. STEM_GC11ABIVf-g-183

PRE-TEST

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read and understand each item and choose the letter of the correct answer.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

OVERVIEW

LESSON PROPER

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Redox Reaction
The term “redox” comes from two concepts involved with electron transfer:
reduction and oxidation. Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation
state by a molecule, atom, or ion. Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in
oxidation state. Ion-Electron Method is a technique used in balancing redox reaction.
Mnemonic Devices:
“LEO the lion says GER” = Lose Electron Oxidation while Gain Electron
Reduction
or OIL RIG = Oxidation Is Losing (electrons), Reduction Is Gaining (electrons).
LEORA = Lose Electron Oxidation, Reducing Agent
GEROA = Gain Electron Reduction, Oxidizing Agent

Redox reactions are common and vital to some of the basic functions of life,
including photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, and corrosion or rusting.

Rules for Assigning Oxidation States

The oxidation state of an element refers to the number of electrons that an
atom loses or gains when combining with other elements to form compounds. The
guidelines in determining the oxidations state of an atom are as follows:
1. The oxidation state of a free element or an individual atom is 0.
2. The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a compound is 0 and in an ion
is equal to its charge.
3. Group 1 metals have an oxidation state of +1 and Group 2 an oxidation state
of +2.
4. The oxidation state of fluorine is -1 in compounds.
5. Hydrogen generally has an oxidation state of +1 in compounds except in
hydrides.
6. Oxygen generally has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds except in
hydrogen peroxide.
7. In binary metal compounds, Group 17 elements have an oxidation state of -1,
Group 16 elements of -2, and Group 15 elements of -3.

Note: The sum of the oxidation states in a compound is equal to zero and in
polyatomic ion equal to its charge.

Example 1. Assigning Oxidation States

Determine the Oxidation States of each element in the following reactions:

A. Fe(s) + O2(g) → Fe2O3(g)

B. Ag(s) + H2S→ Ag2S(g) + H2(g)

A. Fe and O2 are free elements; therefore, they each have an oxidation state of 0
according to Rule #1. The product has a total oxidation state equal to 0, and
following Rule #6, O has an oxidation state of -2, which means Fe has an
oxidation state of +3.
B. Ag has an oxidation state of 0, H has an oxidation state of +1 according to
Rule #5, S has an oxidation state of -2 according to Rule #7, and hence Ag in
Ag2S has an oxidation state of +1.

Example 2. Oxidation Reduction Reactions

Which of the following shows reduction reaction? oxidation?

gains 2e-
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Cu2+ (aq) + Zn(s) → Cu0(s) + Zn2+(aq)

+2 0 0 +2
-
loses 2e

Cu = oxidation number changes from +2 to 0

Zn = changes from 0 to +2
Cu gains two electron (Reduction) Oxidizing Agent/Oxidant
Zn metal loses two electrons (Oxidation) Reducing Agent/Reductant
Note: Recall your knowledge on rules in assigning oxidation numbers to balance
redox reaction well.

Example 3. Identifying Reduced and Oxidized Elements

Determine which element is oxidized and which element is reduced in the

following reactions (be sure to include the oxidation state of each):

a. Zn + 2H+ → Zn2+ + H2
b. 2Al + 3Cu2+→2Al3+ +3Cu
c. CO32- + 2H+→ CO2 + H2O

Answer:
a. Zn is oxidized (Oxidation number: 0 → +2); H+ is reduced (Oxidation number:
+1 → 0)
b. Al is oxidized (Oxidation number: 0 → +3); Cu2+ is reduced (+2 → 0)
c. This is not a redox reaction because each element has the same oxidation
number in both reactants and products: O= -2, H= +1, C= +4.

If the oxidation number increases, an atom is oxidized, and it is the reducing

agent. If the oxidation number decreases, the atom is reduced, and it is the oxidizing
agent. The atom that is oxidized is the reducing agent, and the atom that is reduced
is the oxidizing agent.

Balancing Redox Reactions: Oxidation State Method

For the oxidation-number-change method, start with the unbalanced

skeleton equation. The example below is for the reaction of iron (III) oxide with
carbon monoxide. This reaction is one that takes place in a blast furnace during the
processing of iron ore into metallic iron.

Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) → Fe(s) + CO2(g)

Step 1: Assign oxidation numbers to each of the atoms in the equation and write the
numbers above the atom.

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Step 2: Identify the atoms that are oxidized and those that are reduced. In the above
equation, the carbon atom is being oxidized since its oxidation increases from +2 to
+4. The iron atom is being reduced since its oxidation number decreases from +3 to
0.

Step 3: Use a line to connect the atoms that are undergoing a change in oxidation
number. On the line, write the oxidation-number change.

The carbon atom’s oxidation number increases by 2, while the iron atom’s
oxidation number decreases by 3. As written, the number of electrons lost does not
equal the number of electrons gained. In a balanced redox equation, these must be
equal. So, the increase in oxidation number of one atom must be made equal to the
decrease in oxidation number of the other.

Step 4: Use coefficients to make the total increase in oxidation number equal to the
total decrease in oxidation number. In this case, the least common multiple of 2 and
3 is 6. So, the oxidation-number increase should be multiplied by 3, while the
oxidation-number decrease should be multiplied by 2. The coefficient is also applied
to the formulas in the equation. So a 3 is placed in front of the CO and in front of the
CO2. A 2 is placed in front of the Fe on the right side of the equation. The Fe 2O3 does
not require a coefficient because the subscript of 2 after the Fe indicates that there
are already two iron atoms.

Step 5: Check the balancing for both atoms and charge. Occasionally, a coefficient
may need to be placed in front of a molecular formula that was not involved in the
redox process. In the current example, the equation is now balanced.

Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)

Rules in Balancing Redox Reaction Using the Half-Reaction Method

1. Write the two-half reactions from unbalanced equation.
Ex.: Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
Oxidation: Zn0(s) → Zn2+(aq)
Reduction: Cu2+(aq) → Cu0(s)
2. Add electron(s) beside the ion with greater charge (positive integer)
Ox: Zn0(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e-
Red: 2e- + Cu2+(aq) → Cu0(s)
Overall rxn: Zn0(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu0(s)

3. Add the two half-reactions and simplify by cancelling similar species on both
sides of the equation. (Overall rxn)

Note:
oxidation = when you add electron on the right side
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reduction = when you add electron on the left side

4. Multiply each half-reaction by an integer that will equalize the number of

electrons lost or gained.
Ex.: Zn + Ag+ → Zn2+ + Ag
Ox: Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-
Red: (1e- + Ag+ → Ag) x 2
Ox: Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-
Red: 2e- + 2Ag+ → 2Ag

Overall rxn: Zn + 2Ag+ → Zn2+ + 2Ag

Guidelines in Balancing Basic and Acidic Medium

1. Balance the half reaction other than H and O.
2. For reaction in acidic medium (solution), add H2O to balance O atoms, and
then add H+ to balance H atoms.
3. For basic medium, add H2O molecules to balance the O atoms then add
H+ to balance the H atoms.
Now to balance the H+ ions, add equal number of OH- ions to both sides of
the equation(reaction).
4.Combine H+ ions and OH- from the side of the equation where
they both appear. Cancel equal number of H2O molecules from
both sides of the equation.
Example 1 (acidic medium)
BrO3- + Zn → Br- + Zn2+

Step 1. Balance first the equation that does not contain O atoms
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-

6e + 6H+ + BrO3- → Br- + 3H2O

(Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-) x 3

Step 2. Add the charges on both sides. Then subtract charge of reactant and
product.
reactant side = 6 + (-1) = 5
product side = -1 + 0
Get the difference: 5-(-1) = 6 e-

Step 3. Write 6e_ on side with greater charge then multiply by 3 on the other
sides.
6e- + 6H+ + BrO3- → Br- + 3H2O
3Zn → 3Zn2+ + 6e-
________________________________________________________
Overall rxn: 6H+ + BrO3- + 3Zn → 3Zn2+ + Br_ + 3H2O

Example 2. (in basic solution please review the steps and guidelines above)

Fe + ClO- → Fe(OH)2 + Cl-

Answer:
2OH- + Fe → Fe(OH)2 + 2e-
2e- + H2O + ClO- → Cl- + 2OH-
________________________________________
STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
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Overall rxn: H2O + ClO- + Fe → Cl- + Fe(OH)2

Other Guidelines for Balancing Redox Equations:

1. Determine the oxidation states of each species.
2. Write each half reaction and for each:
a. Balance atoms that change oxidation state.
b. Determine number of electrons gained or lost
c. Balance charges by using H+ (in acidic solution) or OH- (in basic
solution).
d. Balance the rest of the atoms (H's and O's) using H2O.
3. Balance the number of electrons transferred for each half reaction
using the appropriate factor so that the electrons cancel.
4. Add the two half-reactions together and simplify if necessary.

Example 3. Balance the following redox reaction.

Step 1. Determine the oxidation states of the species involved.

The charges do not match yet, so this is not a balanced equation. We can use
each half-reaction to balance the charges. Notice that the Cl- ions drop out, as they
are spectator ions and do not participate in the actual redox reaction.

Step 2. Write the half reactions.

Step 2a. Balance the atoms that change their oxidation states.

Step 2b. Determine the number of electrons gained or lost.

Aluminum changes from 0 to III, so three electrons are lost. For hydrogen, the
case is a little different. Hydrogen is going from I to 0. This means that for each
H+ ion that reacts, one electron is needed. Since there are two H+ ions that react, two
electrons are needed.

Steps 2c and 2d are not needed in this case as the equations are balanced.

Step 3. Balance the number of electrons transferred.

The common factor for the electrons transferred is 6, so the above

multiplication is performed.

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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Step 4. Now the charges and atoms are balanced. To verify this add all of the
charges and atoms on each side. Both the charges and number of atoms
must balance. Note that this reaction is not neutral. Remember that the
spectator ions, Cl-, neutralize the solution.

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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Balance the following reaction, which occurs in acidic solution.

Step 1. Determine the oxidation states of the species involved.

To determine the oxidation state of Mn in MnO4-, apply Equation 1 (see Equation 1
above): x + 4(-2) = -1.

Four (4) is from the number of oxygen atoms, -2 is the oxidation state of
oxygen and -1 is the overall charge of the molecule. Which species is oxidized, and
which species is reduced? Mn in MnO4- is reduced while Cl- is oxidized.

Step 2. Write the half reactions.

Step 2a. Mn and Cl are balanced.

Step 2b. Mn changes from VII to II, so five electrons are needed. Cl- loses two
electrons as it goes from I to -I.

Step 2c. The charges are not balanced on this example. Since this is in acidic
solution, use H+ to balance these charges.

Remember that the electrons carry a negative charge and must be considered
whenever balancing the charges. Verify that the charges are balanced on each side
of the equation.

Step 2d. Now the oxygen and hydrogen atoms need to be balanced.

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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Step 3. Balance the number of electrons transferred.

Step 4. Write the net reaction.

Now all charges and number of atoms balance.

Finally, two terms you may run across in the future are oxidizing agent (or oxidant)
and a reducing agent (reductant). An oxidizing agent causes oxidation and is
reduced in the reaction. A reducing agent causes the reduction in the redox reaction.
The reducing agent is oxidized in the reaction. In Example 4 above, MnO4- is the
oxidizing agent and Cl- is the reducing agent.

In a world where virtual learning is a must, batteries of our gadgets must be at

its optimum quality. From the AA-powered wall clock to Li-ion batteries of our cellular
phones, electrochemical cells are useful and economical. Batteries operate through
the electrochemical reactions of many different chemical species. These chemical
species can either lose or gain electron. You have learned from the previous module
that oxidation happens when the half reaction loses one or more electron and
reduction occurs when the half reaction gains electron.
In this module, you will learn about the use of standard reduction potential and
its importance in calculating standard cell potentials.
The following terms used in this topic are defined as below to help you understand
the concept.
Reduction Potential It measures the tendency of a molecule to be
reduced by taking up new electrons.
Oxidation Potential The measure of a material to oxidize or lose
electrons

Cell Potential The measure of the potential difference between

two half cells in an electrochemical cell

Standard Reduction Potential It is the reduction potential of a molecule under

specific, standard conditions.

Anode The positive electrode where oxidation occurs.

Cathode The negative electrode where reduction occurs.

Oxidizing agent A substance that can accept electrons from

another substance or increase the oxidation
numbers in another substance
STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
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Reducing agent A substance that can donate electrons to another

substance or decrease the oxidation numbers in
another substance

Oxidation It is the half reaction that involves the loss of

electrons.

Reduction It is the half reaction that involves the gain of

electrons

On this part, you will learn how to write an over-all redox reaction and calculating for its
standard cell potential. (Note that you must have a copy of the table for Standard
Reduction Potential at 25OC.)

Here are the steps to calculate the standard cell potential:

1st Step: Identify the half reaction from the standard reduction potential

2nd Step: Identify the oxidizing agent and write its reduction half reaction. (Remember that
the more positive the reduction potential is, the stronger it is as oxidizing agent. Oxidizing
agent gains electron, so the electron must be on the reactant side.)

3rd Step. Reverse the other half reaction in order to present an oxidation reaction of the
reducing agent. Remember that reducing agent loses electron, so the electron must be on
the product side.
Then, to get the standard oxidation potential, simply change the sign of the E o(V)
from the standard reduction potential table.

4th Step. Add the two half-reaction and make sure that the number of electrons is the same,
if not, think of a coefficient that will make the electron equal with one another.

5th Step. To compute for the Standard Cell Potential, add the reduction potential and
oxidation potential.

Let us try to compute the standard cell potential of this equation:

Cl2 + Ni(s)  Ni2+ + Cl-

1st Step: Identify the half reaction from the standard reduction potential.

Cl2(g) +2e-  2Cl-(aq) Eo(V)= 1.36

Ni2+(aq) +2e-  Ni(s) Eo(V)=-0.25

2nd Step: Identify the oxidizing agent and write its reduction half reaction.
(Remember that the more positive the reduction potential is, the stronger it is as
oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agent gains electron, so the electron must be on the
reactant side.)
STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
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Half reaction Standard Reduction

Potential

Reduction Cl2(g) +2e-  2Cl-(aq) Eo(V) = 1.36

3rd Step. Reverse the other half reaction in order to present an oxidation reaction of
the reducing agent. Remember that reducing agent loses electron, so the electron
must be on the product side.

Then, to get the standard oxidation potential, simply change the sign of
the Eo(V) from the standard reduction potential table.

Half reaction Standard Oxidation

Potential
Oxidation Ni(s)  Ni2+(aq) +2e- Eo(V) = 0.25

4th Step. Add the two half-reaction and make sure that the number of electrons are
the same, if not, think of a coefficient that will make the electron equal with one
another.
Cl2(g) + 2e-  2Cl-(aq) Eo(V) = 1.36
2+ -
Ni(s)  Ni (aq) +2e Eo(V) = 0.25
Cl2(g) + Ni(s) 2Cl-(aq) + Ni2+(aq)

5th Step. To compute for the Standard Cell Potential, add the reduction potential and
oxidation potential.
Eo(V)std cell potential = Eo(V)red + Eo(V)ox
= 1.36 + 0.25
= 1.61
Now that you have learned how to calculate the standard cell potential based on the
table for Standard Reduction Potential at 25OC. On this part of the lesson, you will
identify if the electrochemical reaction is a galvanic cell or an electrolytic cell. If
E°(V)cell is greater than zero, then the process is spontaneous or a galvanic cell.
However if E°(V)cell is less than zero, then the process is nonspontaneous or an
electrolytic cell.
Here is a table that presents the difference of the two cells.

Galvanic Cells Electrolytic Cells

Spontaneous redox reactions Non-spontaneous redox reactions
convert the chemical energy to an convert the electric energy to a
electric energy chemical energy
Electric energy brings about the
Electric energy is generated by
chemical reaction with the help of an
redox reactions
external source
The cathode is the positive The anode is the positive electrode
electrode and anode is the negative and cathode is the negative
electrode electrode
STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
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The process of oxidation takes

Here, the oxidation process occurs
place at the anode and the
at the cathode while the reduction
reduction process occurs at the
process takes place at the anode
cathode
Half cells are set up in different Electrodes are kept in the same
containers and are connected container in a molten or solution
through salt bridges electrolyte

Application lies in purifying copper

Application lies in Batteries
and electroplating

A series of combined galvanic cells is called battery which can be used as a source
of direct electric current at a constant voltage. Battery has the same principle as the
galvanic cells but its advantage is its independency as a system which does not need salt
bridges. Here we will discuss several types of batteries that are in widespread use.

The Dry Cell Battery

The cell reactions in a dry cell battery has the following half reactions
Anode: Zn(s)  Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-
Cathode: 2NH4+(aq) + 2MnO2(s) + 2e-  Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(aq) + H2O(l)
Overall: Zn(s) + 2NH4 (aq) + 2MnO2(s)  Zn2+ (aq) + 2NH3(aq) + H2O(l) + Mn2O3(s)
This equation is just an overview of a complex process. The dry cell produced a voltage of
about 1.5 V.
Among any other dry cell with no fluid component is the Leclanché cell. It is used in
flashlights and transistor radios. The anode consists of a zinc can or container that is in
contact with manganese dioxide (MnO2) and an electrolyte. The electrolyte has ammonium
chloride and zinc chloride in water, this is where the starch is added to thicken the solution
to have a pastelike consistency so it would not leak. The carbon rod is the cathode, which is
soaked in the electrolyte in the center of the cell.
Chang, Raymond. Chemistry. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002.

The Button Battery

The cell reactions are
Anode: Zn (Hg) + 2OH-(aq) ¡ ZnO(s) 1 H2O(l) 1 2e-
Cathode: HgO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e- ¡ Hg(l) 1 2OH-(aq)
Overall: Zn(g) 1 HgO(s) ¡ ZnO(s) 1 Hg(l)
The button battery is quite expensive than the dry cell. The most common button
battery is the mercury battery which is widely used in medical instruments and other
electronic devices. The mercury battery has a zinc anode (amalgamated with mercury) that
is connected with a strongly alkaline electrolyte that has zinc oxide and mercury (II) oxide.
It is enclosed in a stainless-steel cylinder. The mercury battery gives 1.35 V which is a
more constant voltage than the Leclanché cell. This kind of battery is considered
economical to use for hearing aids and electric watches because it has a higher capacity
and longer life. STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
Chang, Raymond. Chemistry. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
 14

From Fossil Fuel to Fuel Cells

The major source of energy are the fossil fuels, however, its conversion into
electrical energy is a highly inefficient process.
Take a look at the combustion of methane:
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g)  CO2 (g) + 2H2O (l) + energy
To produce electricity, the heat formed by the reaction is first used to change water
to steam, which then initiate the turbine to start the generator. A considerable amount of
energy, in the form of heat, is released out of the system at each step. The highest
efficient conversion in most power plant is only about 40 percent of the expected
theoretical yield. Since combustion is a redox reaction, it is more desirable to carry them
out directly by electrochemical means to increase the efficiency of power production. This
can be achieved by a device known as fuel cell, a galvanic cell that requires a continuous
supply of reactants to keep functioning.
The hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell has an electrolyte solution like potassium hydroxide
solution and two inert electrodes. Hydrogen and oxygen gases are bubbled through the
anode and cathode compartments, where the following reactions take place:
Anode: 2H2(g) + 4OH-(aq)  4H2O(l) + 4e-
Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e2  4OH-(aq)
Overall: 2H2(g) + O2(g)  2H2O(l)
Chang, Raymond. Chemistry. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002.

The Lead Storage Battery

The cell reactions are
Anode: Pb(s) + SO4 2-(aq)  PbSO4(s) + 2e-
Cathode: PbO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + SO4 2- (aq) + 2e-  PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
Overall: Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + 2SO4 2-(aq)  2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
The lead storage battery is common in automobiles. It consists of six identical cells
joined together in series. The lead anode and a cathode are made of lead dioxide (PbO 2)
packed on a metal plate. Both electrodes are immersed in an aqueous solution of sulfuric
acid, which acts as the electrolyte.
There are six cells in the operation of this battery, each of which produces 2 V that is used
to power the ignition circuit of vehicles and its other electrical systems. This kind of battery
can efficiently transport large amounts of current to start up the engine. The difference of
this compared to Leclanché cell and button battery is that it is rechargeable. Recharging
theCorrosion
battery means applying an external voltage at the cathode and the anode to reverse
the normal electrochemical reaction.
Chang, Raymond. Chemistry. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002.

Electrochemical Principles of Corrosion

Many of us have seen corrosion of many metal products. Metal monuments which
have built for many years have corroded because they are in outdoor where it can be
STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2
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exposed with oxygen and moisture.

Corrosion begins at a metal under stress where two pieces of metal are joined or
under a loosely-adhering paint. The metal ions in the moisture film and the electrons
travel to another location where they are carried up by a depolarizer. The most common
depolarizer is Oxygen. Iron (II) ion (Fe2+) reacts with the resulting hydroxide ions to form
the mixture of hydrous iron oxides known as rust.

Atoms in part that have undergone bending or welding (stress) often tend to have
higher free energies making it to become anodic. Below shows the reaction of metal in
anodic process and the reduction of oxygen gas in cathodic steps.

Anode: Fe(s) → Fe2+(aq) + 2e−

Cathode: O2+2H2O+4e−→4OH−

https://chem.libretexts.org/@api/deki/files/257242/20.8.1A.jpg?revision=1&size=bestfit&width=551&height=301

Electroplating

Have you ever gleamed by a glitter of jewelry? or Have you bought a jewelry at a
quite low price? There are many things around that may look fancy but surprisingly at a
cheap price. Take a look at some jewelries which are coated with gold. The base metal
alloy of it may be copper or silver which are quite cheaper than the alloy of gold. Another
is the car rim not coated with paint but plated with chrome. These examples are both for
aesthetic purpose of electroplating. Electroplating is the process of coating one metal onto
another by electrolysis. This is also applied for economical use to prevent corrosion.
Some examples of electroplating are copper plating, silver plating, and chromium
plating. Electroplating gives manufacturers an alternative way to achieve quality products
with the use of inexpensive metals such as steel or zinc and then apply different metals
on the outside to give value for appearance, protection, and other properties desired for
the product. It can be noted that electroplating can be done to a metal or even to a plastic
surface.
In this module, you will learn about the science of electroplating which is called the
electrolysis.

https://xaktly.com/Electrochemistry.html

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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The illustration shows two electrodes with a battery attached to it. Electrodes are
the solid electrical contacts that are immersed in the electrolyte where the current flows to
and from the battery. An electric field which is located in between the two electrodes has
a flow from positive plate to the negative plate. Inside the electric field is a positively
charge ion which adheres to the force that will accelerate it in the direction of the electric
field which is towards cathode. On the other hand, negatively charged ion will plug in to a
force that will accelerate opposite to the direction of the electric field which is towards
anode. The anode is attached to the positive terminal of the battery therefore it has a
positive charge on it. Cathode is attached to the negative terminal of the battery leaving
the electrode negatively charged. The cation (positively charged ion) is attracted to the
negative cathode while the anion is attracted to the positively charged anode.

Science of Electroplating

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

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The spoon is made of a cheap metal which is an electrode connected to the

negative end of the battery. The silver serves as an electrode on the positive terminal of
the battery. Both electrodes are soaked in a silver nitrate (AgNO 3) solution. When the
current streamed through the solution, the silver metal is detached from the positive
electrode and adhered on the negative electrode.

POST-ASSESSMENT

A. Enrichment Activities

Activity 1. Directions: Classify the given situations below whether the process is spontaneous or non-
spontaneous.
1. Rusting of iron in moist air 6. Drying of leaves
2. Decaying of radioisotopes 7. Dissolving of salt
3. Oxidation of gold 8. Radioactive atom splits up
4. Spoilage of food 9. Dissolution of sand in water
5. Burning of chlorine 10. Fireworks

Activity 1: Redox Reaction

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.
1. Oxidation-reduction reactions always involve the transfer of one or more _________ from
one substance to another.
2. A reducing agent is a chemical that causes the ____________ of another chemical species
by _____________electrons to/from the other species. In the process of doing so, the
reducing agent gets _____________.
3. _______________ is the chemical reaction in which there is a gain of electrons and it is the
opposite of _____________.
https://shailendrakrchemistry.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/oxidation-reduction-fill-in-the-blanks.pdf

Activity 2: Balancing Reox Reactions

Directions: Balance the following equations. Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing
agent.

1. H2S + HNO3  S + NO + H2O

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

 18

2. H2SO4 + HBr  SO2 + Br2 + H2O

3. H2SO4 + HI  H2S + I2 + H2O

4. N2O + H2  H2O + NH3

5. K + KNO3  N2 + K2O

Activity 3: Galvanic or Electrolytic Cell

Directions: Determine whether the cell of the given reaction is galvanic or electrolytic.
1. Cr3+ (aq) + CO (s)  Cr2+ (aq) + CO2+ (aq)

2. Ca (s) + Cl2 (g)  Ca2+ (aq) + Cl- (aq)

3. Cd(s) + Ni2+ (aq)  Cd2+ (aq) + Ni(s)

4. H2O(i)  H+ (aq) + OH- (aq)

Directions: : Write T if the statement is true and F if false. Write your answer
beside each number.
___1. In an electrolytic cell, non-spontaneous redox reactions convert the
electric energy to a chemical energy.
___2. In Galvanic cells, the anode is the positive electrode and the cathode is
the negative electrode.
___3. Galvanic cells depend on batteries.
___4. In electrolytic cells, electrodes are kept in the same container in a
molten or solution electrolyte.
___5. In galvanic cells, electric energy brings about a chemical reaction with
the help of an external source.

Post-Test. Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

Electrolysis
Directions: Answer the following questions:

Electrolysis of Molten Sodium Chloride

STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2

 19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-9Gb0PxcGE

What are the specific ions in the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?

Anion: ______________________________
Cation: ______________________________

Which ion will move towards the cathode?

____________________________________
Which ion will move towards the anode?
_____________________________________
Write the half-reaction for the following reactions in the electrolysis of molten sodium
chloride:
Oxidation: _______________________________
Reduction: _______________________________
Directions: Identify what is being described in each arrowed box below of the
flow diagram to present the concept of electrolysis

Negative ions which are Positively charged

attracted to the electrode that is An electrochemical process
positively charged attached to the battery that occurs in the anode.
electrode. and is immersed into the
electrolyte.

Negatively charged
electrode that is attached to Provides a source of
the battery & is immersed An electrochemical electrical energy,
into the electrolyte. pushing electrons onto
STEM Generalprocess that2occurs
Chemistry in the2
Q4 Module the cathode & making it
cathode.
negatively charged.
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STEM General Chemistry 2 Q4 Module 2