ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY BAS102/ BAS202

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Unit–3
(8 Lectures)
Electrochemistry and Batteries: Basic concepts of electrochemistry.
Batteries; Classification and applications of Primary Cells (Dry Cell) and Secondary Cells (Lead Acid battery).
Corrosion: Introduction to corrosion, Types of corrosion, Cause of corrosion, Corrosion prevention and control,
Corrosion issues in specific industries (Power generation, Chemical processing industry, Oil & gas industry and Pulp
& paper industries).
Chemistry of Engineering Materials:
Cement; Constituents, manufacturing, hardening and setting, deterioration of cement, Plaster of Paris (POP).

(Lecture – 1)
Q1. Differentiate between Electrochemical cell and Electrolytic cell.
It is a branch of chemistry which deals with the transformation of chemical energy to electrical
energy and vice versa.
Cell: A device which converts chemical energy to electrical energy and vice versa is known as cell.
Cells are of two types: Electrochemical cell and Electrolytic cells

Electrochemical cell or Voltaic Cell Electrolytic cell

Cell which converts chemical energy to Cell which converts electrical energy to
electrical energy. chemical energy.
Redox reaction takes place which is Redox reaction is non spontaneous and electrical
spontaneous and it is responsible for the energyis supplied so that the reaction may take
production of electrical energy. place.
Electrodes used are of dissimilar material. Electrodes used may be of similar or different
material.
Each electrode is dipped in electrolytic solution Both electrodes are dipped in same electrolytic
of its own ions. solution.
Salt bridge is used. Salt bridge is not used.
Anode is negative and cathode is positive. Anode is positive and cathode is negative.
Electrons move from anode to cathode in Electrons are supplied by battery and enter
external circuit. through cathode and come out through anode.
Ex: galvanic cell. Ex: lead acid storage battery.

ELECTRODE POTENTIAL

Q1. What is Electrode potential? Give its type.

“Electrode potential is the measure of the tendency of metallic electrode to lose or gain
electrons, when it is in contact with its own salt solution.”
“Standard electrode potential is the potential difference set up between the metal and its
own salt solution of 1M concentration at 250C at equilibrium.”
Electrode potential is of two types:

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1. Oxidation potential:It is the measure of tendency of an electrode to lose electrons or to get

oxidised is called its oxidation potential.
M(s) → Mn+(aq) + ne-
2. Reduction potential: It is the measure of tendency of an electrode to gain an electron or to get
reduced is called its reduction potential.
Mn+ + ne- → M(s)

Electrode potential depends on:

1. Nature of metal and its ions
2. Temperature
3. Concentration of ions in the solution

EMF (ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE OR CELLPOTENTIAL)

EMF is the potential difference between the two electrodes of the cell when either no or negligible
current is allowed to flow in the circuit.
E.M.F = Reduction Potential of cathode – Oxidation Potential of anode

E0cell = E0cathode – E0anode

E0cell = E0right − E0left

The cell reaction is feasible only when Ecell is positive.

STANDARD HYDROGEN ELECTRODE (SHE) OR NORMAL HYDROGEN

ELECTRODE (NHE)

Since half cell in an electrolytic cell can work only when combined with other half cell, so it’s
impossible to determine the absolute electrode potential of a single electrode. Thus, to determine
the electrode potential of a half-cell, the electrode is connected to a reference electrode whose
potential is fixed to 0.0V.This reference electrode is known as SHE/NHE.

NERNST EQUATION

We know that, ∆G= −nFE and ∆G° = −nFE°

Also, ∆G = ∆G° + RT ln Q
So, −nFEcell = −nFE°cell + RT ln Q
Ecell = E°cell−RT ln Q
nF

At standard temperature T = 298 K, R = 8.314 J/K mol, F=96500 C

Ecell = E°cell − 0.0591 log10 Q → Eq. 1

n

At equilibrium: Q = Keq and ΔG = 0, Therefore, E = 0, Equation 1 will become

E°cell = 0.0591 log10Keq

n
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For a cell reaction: aA + bB cC + dD

Q = Keq = [C]c[D]d
[A]a[B]b
Here, Equation 1 will be written as:

Ecell = E°cell−0.0591 log10[C]c[D]d

nF [A]a[B]b

Ecell = E°cell−0.0591 log10 Product

n Reactant

OR Nernst Equation

Ecell = E°cell+0.0591 log10Reactant

n Product

(Lecture- 2)
Electrochemical series: [2022-23 (I)] The arrangement of elements in order of increasing
reduction potential values is called electrochemical series. With the help of this series we can:
a) When two metals are in contact we can predict which metal will act as anode and which will act
as cathode. (The one with lower reduction potential act as anode and is corroded).
b) Feasibility of the reaction: If the EMF of cell is positive, then only the reaction is feasible.
c) Replacement tendency of metals: The metal placed higher in series can replace the metal placed
below it in electrochemical series.
d) Evolution of hydrogen: All the metals placed above hydrogen in series can evolve hydrogen.

Galvanic Series: In this series the metals and their alloys are placed according to their corroding
tendency. As we move down the series the corroding tendency of metals increases.

Passivity: Some metals do not corrode according to their position in galvanic series and resist
corrosion. This property of metals is called passivity and such metals are called passive metals.
This happens because they form a protective, self-healing and strong metal oxide layer on their
surface which protects them from further corrosion.

GALVANIC CELL or VOLTAIC CELL

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At Anode: Zn Zn+2 +2e-

At Cathode: Cu2+ + 2e- Cu
Overall reaction: Zn +Cu+2 Zn2++ Cu

Cell Representation: Zn(s) | ZnSO4 (sol) || CuSO4 (sol) | Cu(s)

OR Zn | Zn2+ || Cu2+ | Cu

(Lecture – 3)
Q1. What are Secondary batteries? Discuss the various reactions involve during the
charging and discharging of lead storage battery. [2018-19]
Q2. Define the term batteries. Explain the construction of Lead acid battery. Write all the
chemical reactions taking place during charging and discharging of lead acid battery.
[2022-23 (II), 2021-2022]

Answer:
LEAD ACID STORAGE CELL
• It is both a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell.
• It is a secondary storage battery, as it can be recharged.
• It is called lead acid because it contains acid as an electrolyte and plates are made up of lead.

Construction:
• Anode: Made of lead grid filled with spongy lead.
• Cathode: Made of a lead grid filled with PbO2
• Electrolyte:28-30% solution of H2SO4 (d=1.31 g/cm3; 38% by mass) in a hard rubber or plastic
container (ebonite case).
• The battery consists of 6 such cells connected in series: since each cell has an emf of about 2V,
the overall emf of the battery is 12V.
• The cathode and anode plates are arranged alternatively, separated by thin perforated plastic or
fibre glass.

Working:
During Discharging: When the battery supplies current or electrical energy,
Anode: Pb + SO42− → PbSO4 + 2e−
Cathode: PbO2+4H++SO42−+2e− → PbSO4 +2H2O + ENERGY
Net reaction during discharging: Pb + PbO2+4H+ +2SO42− → 2PbSO4+2H2O + ENERGY

H2SO4 is used up during discharging so level of acid falls. When the density falls below1.20 g/cm3
the battery needs recharging.

Also precipitate of lead sulphate is formed during discharging which completely covers both
anode & cathode. As a result, cell stops working, then, it needs to be recharged.

During recharging cell operates like an electrolytic cell. Lead sulphate formed is used up during
recharging.

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Recharging is done by passing an external emf greater than 2V. Electrode reactions are reverse of
those during discharging.

*The cell could be recharged because solid lead sulphate is formed during discharging which acts
as a reactant in recharging*.

During Recharging:

Cathode: PbSO4 + 2e− → Pb + SO42−

Anode: PbSO4 + 2H2O + ENERGY → PbO2+4H++SO42−+2e−

Net reaction: 2PbSO4 + 2H2O + ENERGY → Pb + PbO2 + 4H+ + 2SO42−

The net cell reaction during charging and discharging process for a cycle:

Pb + PbO2 + 2H2SO4 2PbSO4 + 2H2O

(Lecture – 4)
Question: Define Corrosion by giving a suitable example.
Answer:
CORROSION

Corrosion is a process of gradual destruction or deterioration of metals by chemical or

electrochemical attack of environment. Ex: Rusting of iron, tarnishing of silver etc.

Units of Corrosion:
Mils per year (MPY)
Milligram per decimetre square per day (MDD)
1 mil = 1/1000 inch

REASON / CAUSES OF CORROSION

)ORES OR METAL COMPOUND Extraction of metal (+energy) METAL (PURE)
Stable form with lower energy Corrosion (- energy) unstable due to higher energy

FACTORS AFFECTING CORROSION:

Rate and extent of corrosion depends upon:

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1 Nature of metal
2 Nature of environment

NATURE OF METAL:
1. Position of metals in galvanic series:
a) If two metals are in electrical contact, then the metal placed higher in galvanic series acts as
anode and get corroded.
b) Greater is the difference in the position of the metals in the galvanic series, faster is the rate of
corrosion.
2. Relative areas of anode and cathode:
Rate of corrosion α Cathodic area/ Anodic area
3. Purity of metal: The impurities present in metal results in setting up small electrochemical cells
leading to corrosion.
4. Physical state of metal: Rate of corrosion α 1/ grain size of metal
5. Nature of oxide film: If the oxide film formed on metal surface is porous and loosely held, then
the corrosion of the metal takes place very rapidly.
6. Solubility of corrosion products: If corrosion products are soluble then metal corrodes rapidly
and continuously.
7. Volatility of corrosion products: If the corrosion products formed are volatile, then there is
rapid and continuous corrosion.

NATURE OF CORRODING ENVIRONMENT:

1) Temperature: Rate of corrosion α Temperature

2) Moisture: Moisture acts as solvent for corrosion. So, Rate of corrosion α Moisture
3) pH: Generally acidic medium leads to more corrosion.
4) Nature of corroding medium: Nature of anions, cations and their conducting nature affects the
rate of corrosion.
5) Presence of impurities and suspended particles in atmosphere: Corrosive gases, fumes of
sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid, suspended particles like NaCl, charcoal, etc. increases the
rate of corrosion.

Corrosion law – Pilling Bedworth rule –

Specific volume ratio = Volume of metal oxide
Volume of metal

(Lecture – 5)

ELECTROCHEMICAL / WET THEORY OF CORROSION

Q1. Describe electrochemical theory of corrosion. How corrosion can be prevented by sacrificial
anodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection. [2019-2020]
Q2. Discuss rusting of iron by Hydrogen evolution and Oxygen absorption mechanism. Briefly
explain sacrificial cathodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection. [2018-2019]
Q3. Discuss the mechanism of electrochemical theory of corrosion by absorption of oxygen.
What effect will increased oxygen supply have on such corrosion? How can corrosion be
minimized by proper design? [2022-23(II), 2022-2023(I)]

Answers:
Electrochemical corrosion involves flow of electrons between anode and cathode.
Electrochemical theory of corrosion is explained by two mechanisms:
1. Oxygen absorption mechanism (in neutral and alkaline medium).
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2. Hydrogen evolution mechanism (in acidic medium).

For Ex: Rusting of iron.

Mechanism of Corrosion:
OXYGEN ABSORPTION MECHANISM (in basic or neutral medium)
Reaction at ANODE (OXIDATION)
Fe → Fe2+ + 2e−
Reaction at CATHODE (REDUCTION)
½ O2 + H2O + 2e− → 2OH−
OVERALL REACTION
Fe + ½ O2 + H2O Fe2+ + 2OH− → Fe(OH)2(ferrous hydroxide)

If enough O2 is present: Fe(OH)2 is oxidised to rust: Fe2O3.xH2O (Yellow rust)

In limited supply of oxygen Black Magnetite is formed: Fe2O3.FeO.6H2O (Black magnetite)

Mechanism of wet corrosion by oxygen absorption mechanism

(Small anodic area and large cathodic area, so higher rate of corrosion)

HYDROGEN EVOLUTION MECHAINSM (In acidic medium):

All the metals placed above H2 in electrochemical series, corrodes in acidic solution by hydrogen
evolution mechanism.
Anodic reaction: Fe Fe+2 + 2e–
Cathodic reaction: 2H+ + 2e− H2

Overall reaction: Fe + 2H+ Fe2++ H2

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Mechanism of wet corrosion by hydrogen evolution mechanism

CHEMICAL CORROSION OR DRY CORROSION

Corrosion that takes place in the absence of electrolyte, due to direct attack of gases on metals is
called dry corrosion. This type of corrosion takes place at elevated temperature and corrosion is
uniform over metal surface.
E.g. attack of oxygen on iron.

(Lecture- 6)
Questions: What are corrosion inhibitors? Explain with example how anodic and cathodic
inhibitor provides protection against corrosion.

Q. Discuss the differences between anodic and cathodic metallic coatings. Explain the
processes of Galvanizing and Electroplating? What will happen if an iron ship travelling in
the sea is attached through an insulated metallic wire to a small sheet of magnesium?
[2022-23(I)]

Answer:

PREVENTION OF CORROSION
Corrosion can be prevented by the following methods:
1. PROPER DESIGN
a) Avoid sharp bends and sharp corners.
b) Avoid contact of dissimilar metals in presence of corroding medium.
c) There should be proper drainage.
d) When the two dissimilar metals are to be used in contact, anodic area should be large and
cathodic area should be small.
e) If two dissimilar metals have to be used in contact, their position in electrochemical series
should as close as possible.
f) If two metals have to be coupled use insulation between them.

2. MODIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENT
1) Removing moisture by using silica gel.
2) Removing oxygen by adding oxygen scavengers like hydrazine
3) By adjusting pH using pourbaix diagram.

3. BY USING INHIBITORS: The substances which are added from outside to inhibit the
corrosion are known as inhibitors.
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There are two types of inhibitors:

a) ANODIC INHIBITORS
They react with the metallic ions of anode and form insoluble precipitate which is adsorbed on
metal surface forming a protective film/barrier. Ex: alkalis, phosphates, chromates, etc.

b) CATHODIC INHIBITORS
They decrease the rate of reaction thereby reducing rate of overall corrosion.

i) IN ACIDIC MEDIUM
Cathodic reaction:
2H+ +2e− H2
Cathodic inhibitors slow down the diffusion of H+ ions through cathode and thus reduces corrosion
rate.
Ex – Amines, Mercaptons, ureas, thioureas, etc.

ii) IN NEUTRAL /ALKALINE MEDIUM

Cathodic reaction:
½ O2 + H2O + 2e− 2OH−

Cathodic inhibitors remove O2 that is being used at cathode, thereby reducing corrosion.
Ex: O2 scavengers like Na2SO3, N2H4, etc.

4. CHANGINING THE OPERATING VARIABLES:

• By lowering the temperature
• By selecting suitable pH.

5. PROTECTIVE COATINGS
(a) Organic coating: includes use of paints, varnishes, etc. which acts as organic barrier between
metal and environment.
(b) Inorganic coating: inorganic surface barriers produced by chemical/ electrochemical
reactions at the surface of base metal coatings are used for paints. Ex – phosphates, chromates,
etc.
(c) Metallic coatings: In metallic coatings one metal is coated over another metal. There are two
types of metallic coatings: anodic coating and cathodic coating.

ANODIC COATING or SACRIFICIAL COATING:

1. Base metal is coated with a metal which is more reactive.

2. Protects the underlying base metal sacrificially.
3. Known as anodic coating as the reduction potential of coated metal is less than that of base
metal.
4. If there are pores, cracks, or breaks in such a coating base metal is not corroded till all the coated
metal is consumed.
5. Zn, Cd, Al are generally used as sacrificial coatings.
6. Ex: galvanised iron (coating of Zn on Fe)

CATHODIC COATING or NOBLE COATING:

1. Base metal is coated with a metal which is less reactive (more noble) in its comparison.
2. Protects the base metal due to its noble character.

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3. Also known as Cathodic coating as reduction potential of coated metal is more than that of base
metal.
4. If there are pores, break, etc. corrosion takes place because of small anodic area and large
cathodic area.
5. Ni, Ag, Cr, Pb, etc. are used generally for noble coating.
6. Ex: coating of Sn on Fe.

6. Modification of metal
Metal can be modified by annealing, refining and alloying.

(Lecture-7)

Questions:-
Q.1 Explain sacrificial anodic and impressed cathodic protection method for prevention of
corrosion. [2021-2022] OR
How can anodic and cathodic metallic coating help in protection against corrosion?
Q2. Define the term corrosion. Describe the mechanism of electrochemical corrosion with
the help of hydrogen evolution and oxygen absorption reactions. How it can be prevented
using sacrificial anodic protection? [2021-2022]

7. CATHODIC PROTECTION
The method of protecting the base metal by making it to behave like a cathode is called as
cathodic protection.
There are two types of cathodic protection
(a) Sacrificial anodic protection.
(b) Impressed current method.

SACRIFICIAL ANODIC PROTECTION

Base metal is connected by a wire to a more reactive metal so that the base metal becomes cathode
and more reactive metal becomes anode.

The anodic metal gets corroded slowly, while the base metal (cathodic) is protected. The more
active metal is called sacrificial anode and is replaced by a fresh one, when it is completely
consumed. Mg, Zn, Al and their alloys are generally used as sacrificial anodes.
Ex: 1. A ship-hull which is made up of steel is connected to sacrificial anode (Zn-blocks) which
undergoes corrosion leaving the base metal protected.
2. The underground water pipelines and water tanks are also protected by sacrificial anode
method.

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IMPRESSED CURRENT CATHODIC PROTECTION:

In this method, an impressed current is applied in opposite direction to nullify the corrosion
current, and convert the corroding metal from anode to cathode. The impressed current is slightly
higher than the corrosion current. Thus the anodic corroding metal becomes cathodic and
protected from corrosion. The impressed current is taken from a battery or rectified on A.C. line.
The impressed current protection method is used for water tanks, water & oil pipe lines,
transmission line towers etc.

Impressed current method

(Lecture – 8)
Cement
Q. Explain the setting and hardening of cement with relevant chemical reactions involved
during the process. [2022-23 (I)]
Concrete is widely used as a non-metallic material in construction of buildings, dams, bridges,
high ways etc. In concrete, cement is a building material that possesses cohesive and adhesive
properties and capable of bonding with stones, bricks, building blocks etc.

Portland cement
The name Portland cement is used because this powder on mixing with water gives a hard, stone
like mass which resembles Portland rock (Leeds city UK). It is widely used as a non-metallic
material in construction. It is a composition of calcium silicates, calcium aluminates and small
amount of gypsum.

Composition of Portland cement:-

A sample of Portland cement contain following composition:
S.No. Component Percentage range by mass
1. Calcium Oxide or lime(CaO) 50-60%
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2. Silica (SiO2) 20-25%

3. Alumina (Al2O3) 5-10%
4. Magnesia (MgO) 2-3%
5. Fe2O3 1-2%
6. Sulphur trioxide(SO3) 1-2%

Manufacture of Portland Cement:

The steps involve in the manufacturing process are as follows:
1) Mixing
2) Burning
3) Grinding
4) Packing

(1) Mixing:
Mixing of raw materials can be done either by (a) dry process (b) wet process

S.No. Dry Process Wet Process

1. It is adopted when the raw materials are It can be used for any type of raw materials.
quite hard.
2. Fuel consumption is low. Fuel consumption is high.
3. Process is slow. Process is comparatively faster.
4. Cement produced is of inferior quality. Cement produced is of superior quality.
5. Cost of production of cement is less. Cost of production of cement is somewhat
higher.
6. On the whole, the process is costly. On the whole, the process is cheaper.

2) Burning:
The burning process is done in Rotary Kiln. The Rotary Kiln possesses three different temperature
zone like drying zone, calcinations zone and Clinkering zone.

Rotary Kiln

(a) Drying zone:

It is the upper part of Rotary Kiln having temperature around 400oC, most of the water from the slurry
gets evaporated.

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(b) Calcinations zone:

It is middle portion of Rotary Kiln where the temperature is around 1000oC. In this region lime stone
undergoes decomposition to form quick lime and carbon dioxide (escape out).
.
(c) Clinkering zone:
It is the lower part of Rotary Kiln, the temperature is between 1500 to 1700oC where quick lime and
clay undergo chemical interaction or fusion, yielding calcium silicate and aluminates.

2CaO+ SiO2 Ca2SiO4 or 2CaO.SiO2

Dicalcium silicate(C2S)
3CaO+ SiO2 Ca3SiO5 or 3CaO.SiO2
Tricalcium silicate(C3S)
3CaO+ Al2O3 Ca3Al2O6 or 3CaO. Al2O3
Tricalciumaluminate (C3A)
4CaO +Al2O3+ Fe2O3 Ca4Al2Fe2O10 or 2CaO.SiO2 OR
4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3
Tetracalciumaluminoferrite (C4AF)

The aluminates and silicates then fuse together to form stone like structure known as clinkers.
3) Grinding:
The cooled clinkers are ground to a fine powder in ball mill. At this time 2-3% of gypsum is added to
prevent the early setting of cement.

(4) Packing
The ground cement is stored and then fed to automatic packing machine.

Setting and hardening of cement

When water mixed with Cement, forms a plastic paste, hydration reaction begin, resulting in the
formation of gel and crystalline products.

Setting: It is defined as stiffening of the original plastic mass, due to initial gel formation .

Hardening: It is the development of strength, due to crystallization.

Initial setting:

The initial setting of the cement is mainly due to the hydration of tricalcium aluminate (C 3 A) and
gel formation of tetracalcium aluminoferric.

3CaO.Al2O3 + 6H2O → 3CaO.Al2O3.6H2O + Heat

2(2CaO.SiO2) + 4H2O→3CaO.2SiO2.6H2O + Ca(OH)2 + Heat

4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3 + 7H2O → Ca3Al2O6.6H2O + CaO.Fe2O3.H2O + Heat

Final setting and hardening:

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It is due to the formation of tobermonite gel plus crystallization of calcium hydroxide and hydrated
tricalcium aluminate.

2(2CaO.SiO2) + 6H2O 3CaO.2SiO2.3H2O + 3Ca(OH)2+ Heat

Function of gypsum in cement:

Tricalcium aluminate combines with water very rapidly with the evolution of large amount of heat.
3CaO.Al2O3+ 6H2O 3CaO.Al2O3.6H2O + Heat

After the initial setting the paste becomes somewhat stiff. However, the added gypsum retards the
dissolution of Tricalcium aluminate by forming insoluble calcium sulpho-aluminate:

3CaO.Al2O3 + xCaSO4.2H2O 3CaO.Al2O3.xCaSO4.7H2O

Chemical reactions taking place during setting and hardening of cement

Cement 1 day Hydration of 7 day Gelation of 28 day Gelation of

+ C3A and C4AF C3S C2S and C3S
Water Paste
Decay of Cement
Cement concrete is mechanically strong, yet it is highly prone to chemical attack, because concrete
contains some free lime (CaO). In acidic water, lime of concrete dissolves, thereby making it weak, pH
of most natural waters is slightly greater than 7, consequently, such waters do not have any marked
effect on the strength of concrete. However, as the acidity increases, the deterioration of concrete
enhances.
Lime is more soluble in soft water than hard water. Consequently, deterioration of concrete is quicker,
when in contact with soft water. The most serious type of damage to concrete takes place in the
presence of sulphates. The sulphates combine with tricalcium aluminate to form sulpho-aluminates,
which occupies more volume.
Decay of cement is due to

(i) the leaching out of free lime from it. The leaching is due to the chemical action of CO2 present in acidic
water.

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 → Ca(HCO3)2

Ca(OH)2 + Ca(HCO3)2 → 2CaCO3 + 2H2O

Initially, insoluble CaCO3 is formed, which on further reaction with CO2 and water leads to the formation of
souble calcium bicarbonate. The cycle of this reaction continues till all the CO2 is consumed.

(ii) Hydrolysis of silicates and aluminates will also be dissolved out.

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Protection of concrete:
(1) By giving a coating of epoxy resin paint or bituminous material or linseed oil. This prevents
direct contact between concrete and water.
(2) By coating the surface with silicon fluoride in a soluble form together with oxides of Zn, Mg or
Al. The precipitate of calcium fluoride so-formed in the capillaries prevents dissolution of lime.

Plaster of Paris (POP)

It is a hemihydrate of calcium sulphate. Its molecular formula i s 2CaSO4.H2O or CaSO4.1/2H2O.

Preparation:
It is obtained when gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O, is heated to 393 K.
2(CaSO4.2H2O) → 2(CaSO4).H2O + 3H2O
Gypsum Plaster of Paris

Above 393 K, no water of crystallisation is left and anhydrous calcium sulphate, CaSO4 is formed.
This is known as ‘dead burnt plaster’.

Properties:
i) When plaster of Paris reacts with water, large amount of heat is released. It absorbed
water and convert into gypsum. This process is known as setting of plaster of Paris.

2(CaSO4).H2O+ 3H2O → CaSO4.2H2O

Plaster of Paris Gypsum

ii) Plaster of Paris is a fine white powder. When heated at 200oC it first convert into
gamma-CaSO4 and on further heating at 600oC it changes into beta-CaSO4.

When beta-CaSO4 is heated about 1100oC, then it converted into quicklime (CaO) and SO3.The
quick lime is used in formation of cement.

Uses of Plaster of Paris:

i) It is used in making casting and in surgical bandage.
ii) Used in making plaster wall and for making plaster boards
iii) Used in making statue, toy, models etc.
iv) Used in formation of gypsum and cement.
v) Used in the formation of calcium sulphate.
Numericals

Question: Calculate the cell potential of the given cell at 25ºC. (R = 8.31JL-1mol-1, F=
96500Cmol-1). [2018-2019]
Ni(s)∣Ni+2(0.01M)∣∣Cu+2(0.1M)∣Cu(s)
GivenEºCu+2/Cu=+0.34V;EºNi+2/Ni=-0.25V
Solution:

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Question: Calculate the EMF of the following cell and also write the cell reactions:
Zn / Zn++ (0.001M) // Ag+ (0.1M) / Ag
The standard potential of Ag / Ag+ half-cell is 0.80 V and Zn / Zn++ is -0.76 V.
Solution:

Question: Give significance of Nernst equation.

Consider a cell reaction: Zn / Zn 2+[0.1M] || Cu2+[0.2M] / Cu
Standard reduction potential of Zn2+ and Cu2+ are −0.76V and 0.34V respectively. Write
half-cell reactions, complete cell reaction and calculate EMF of the cell. [2020-2021]
Solution:

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Question: How much rust (Fe2O3.3H2O) can be produced by 3 g of iron? [2020-2021]

Solution:

Question: What is the difference between galvanisation and electroplating

Solution

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 ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY BAS102/ BAS202

Galvanising is the process of applying a coating of zinc to steel, in order to protect it against corrosion.
The process is done through the entire immersion of the steel product into a bath of molten zinc to
provide a solid, strong, and durable coating that ends up being bonded metallurgically to it, to provide
complete cover and protection.
Electroplating is the process of coating a metal with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis to
improve the metal's corrosion resistance.
The metals most commonly used in plating are:
• Copper
• Nickel
• Gold
• Silver
• Chrome
• Zinc
• Tin
Electroplating is also known as electro deposition.

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