Two major electrochemical types:

Voltaic (galvanic) cells:

Using spontaneous chemical reactions to do work
(i.e. provide electricity).

Electrochemistry Electrolytic Cells:

Using electricity to force nonspontaneous
reactions.
Purification of Metals
Electroplating

Electrochemistry is also tied to Gibbs Free Energy and

Chemical Equilibrium

Oxidation-Reduction: The Heart of Expanded Definition of Redox Reactions

Electrochemistry
General Idea:
Oxidation:
Since redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons
from one component of a reaction to another, -Lose electrons
intercepting that transfer (flow) of electrons, allows -Gain oxygen (special case)
useful “work” to be done (i.e. electrical circuits can be -Lose hydrogen (special case)
powered).

Don’t Forget: Leo Goes Ger Reduction:

-Gain electrons
Loses Electrons Oxidized
-Lose oxygen (special case)
Gains Electrons Reduced -Gain hydrogen (special case)

Ex. Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s) Characteristics:

In this example copper loses two electrons and each -Electrons are lost/gained by particles in the reaction
silver atom gains an electron
-There must be a change in “oxidation number”.
Cu0 → Cu2+ + 2e- and is considered oxidized -You must know the rules for assigning oxidation numbers
This is the oxidation half-reaction. It only shows the -Oxidation numbers are for “book keeping purposes” and may not
component oxidized and does not include any represent actual charges
spectator ions. -Oxidations and reductions must occur in pairs (i.e. electron loss
must be accompanied by electron gain)
2Ag+ + 2e- → 2Ag and is considered reduced
-The oxidizing “agent” does the oxidizing and is itself reduced
This is the reduction half-reaction. It only shows the (agent refers to entire species)
component reduced and does not include any -The reducing “agent” does the reducing and is itself oxidized.
spectator ions.
Net Ionic: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) -In a disproportionation reaction, an element in one oxidation
state is simultaneously oxidized and reduced.

1
 Common Redox Reactions
Example:
Single Replacement (A + BC → B + AC):
Write the oxidation and reduction half reactions for cupric
Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)
chloride decomposing to form copper metal and chlorine gas.
CuCl2(aq) → Cu(s) + Cl2(g)
Combustion (hydrocarbon + O2 → CO2 + H2O):
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Answer:
Redox Reactions in acid/base aqueous medium:
14H+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) + 6Fe2+(aq) → 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l) + 6Fe3+(aq) Reduction:

Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) Cu goes from +2 to 0

Synthesis (A + B → AB):
Mg(s) + Cl2(g) → MgCl2(s)
Oxidation:
Decomposition (AB → A + B):
2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g) 2Cl-(aq) → Cl2(g) + 2e- Cl goes from (-1 to 0)x2

Not all of these take place in aqueous solutions but in each case
electrons are lost and gained somewhere in the reaction equation.

Balancing Redox Reactions in Acidic and Example:

Basic Medium The permanganate ion, MnO4- is an oxidizing agent. A
common laboratory analysis for iron is to titrate
aqueous iron(II) ion with a solution of potassium
Many redox reactions take place in either acidic or permanganate of precisely known concentration. Use
basic solutions. Acidic solutions are a source of H+ ions the half-reaction method to write the balanced net ionic
and basic solutions provide OH- when balancing equation for the reaction in acidic solution.
equations.
MnO4-(aq) + Fe2+(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + Fe3+(aq)

You must balance both elements AND charges in redox

reactions.
Generally, spectator ions are not included.

Step 1:
1 Separate the reaction into oxidation/reduction half
reactions. Step 3:
3 For every oxygen, add an equivalent number of water
molecules on the opposite side to balance them out.

Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq)
Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq)
-
MnO4 (aq) → Mn2+(aq)
MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Step 2:
2 Balance atoms other than oxygen and hydrogen.
4 Add H+ ions to balance the hydrogen added from
Step 4:
water.
Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq)

Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq)
MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq)

8H+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

In this case the half-reactions are already balanced.

2
 Step 5:
5 Balance charges between reactants and products by Now we can add the two reaction equations together. Note that
adding electrons. the electrons cancel out so are not included in the final net
reaction.

Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq) + 1e-

5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5Fe3+(aq)

8H+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) + 5e- → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Notice that the Mn is reduced from +7 to +2 and each iron is

Step 6:
6 Ensure that the number of electrons lost and gained is oxidized from +2 to +3.
the same by multiplying half-reactions through where
necessary.
The permanganate ion, MnO4-(aq), is said to be the oxidizing agent
(because it oxidizes the iron), and the iron is the reducing agent.
5Fe2+(aq) → 5Fe3+(aq) + 5e-

8H+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) + 5e- → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

As a final step, if the reaction were to have taken place in basic solution, Example:
the hydrogen ions must be removed and replaced by hydroxide ions. This
is done by adding OH- to each side of the equation. Voltaic cells based on the reduction of sulfur are under
development. One such cell involves the reaction of
sulfur with aluminum under basic conditions
5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5Fe3+(aq)
Al(s) + S(s) → Al(OH)3(s) + HS-(aq)
5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 8OH-(aq) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5Fe3+(aq) + 8OH- a) Balance this equation
(aq)

b) Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents, the

5Fe2+(aq) + 8H2O(l) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 5Fe3+(aq) + 8OH-(aq) substance oxidized and the substance reduced.

Simplify the water molecules by removing 4 from both sides to end up with

5Fe2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) + MnO4-(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + 5Fe3+(aq) + 8OH-(aq)

Answer: 6H2O(l) + 2Al(s) → 2Al(OH)3(s)+ 6H+(aq) + 6e-

Al(s) → Al(OH)3(s) 6e- + 3H+(aq) + 3S(s) → 3HS-(aq)
S(s) → HS-(aq)
6H2O(l) + 2Al(s) + 3H+(aq) + 3S(s) → 2Al(OH)3(s)+ 6H+(aq) + 3HS-(aq)
3H2O(l) + Al(s) → Al(OH)3(s)
S(s) → HS-(aq) 6H2O(l) + 2Al(s) + 3S(s) → 2Al(OH)3(s)+ 3H+(aq) + 3HS-(aq)
+3OH-(aq) +3OH-(aq)
3H2O(l) + Al(s) → Al(OH)3(s)+ 3H+(aq)
3OH-(aq) + 3H2O(l) + 2Al(s) + 3S(s) → 2Al(OH)3(s)+ 3HS-(aq)
H+(aq) + S(s) → HS-(aq)

3H2O(l) + Al(s) → Al(OH)3(s)+ 3H+(aq) + 3e- Aluminum is the reducing agent and is oxidized.

2e- + H+(aq) + S(s) → HS-(aq) Sulfur is the oxidizing agent and is reduced.

3
 Oxidation always occurs Basic components of an electrochemical cell
at the anode. Anode and
oxidation both start with
vowels

Anode
Cathode
Site of oxidation Site of
(-) reduction
(+)

The oxidation of the more active copper (Cu → Cu2+) by

a solution of silver nitrate (Ag+ → Ag). Note the solution
turning blue indicating the presence of copper ions. Half cell

Standard conditions are: 1M solutions, 1 atm for gases and a temperature

of 25oC.

Note the relationship to the activity series of metals

Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) Examples:

Reference Electrode = 0.00V by international agreement

“Standard” conditions: gases = 1atm (~1bar); solutions = 1M
Values usually given at 298K (25oC)

For Oxidation: H2(g) → 2H+(aq) + 2e- If the zinc half-cell is put together with the copper half-cell the expected voltage is:

For Reduction: 2H+(aq) + 2e- → H2(g) SRP:

Cu = +.340V Zn = -.763V
Eocell = Eored + Eoox or Eocell = Eocathode - Eoanode
Eocell = .340V + .763V = +1.103V

4
 Standard conditions are: 1M solutions, 1 atm for gases and a temperature
of 25oC.

Calculating the Potential (voltage) for a Voltaic

Cell
A table of standard reduction (half-cell) potentials must be used (p A-
33 Appendix M)

The standard cell voltage (emf or electromotive force) for

an electrochemical cell is
Eocell = Eored + Eoox or Eocell = Eocathode - Eoanode
(This one doesn’t require you to flip the sign)

Don’’t forget, the table is a “reduction potential

Don potential”” table, so
if you want oxidation you have to flip the sign on the
number.

Note the relationship to the activity series of metals

More complex abbreviated cell notations

Condensed (abbreviated) Cell Diagram

Pt | Cl- , Cl2 || NO3- , NO | Pt

Species in the
Platinum same phase
Electrode

Pt | I- | I2 || Br2 | Br- | Pt
Ion Crystal Liquid Ion

Note that the anode (oxidation) is listed on the left. A single vertical Oxidation (or reduction)
line represents a phase boundary and the double vertical line species in different phases
indicates the salt bridge. Normally spectator ions are not shown.

Answer:
Draw a full cell diagram, a condensed cell diagram and determine the cell
Question: potential for a combination of silver/silver nitrate and aluminum/aluminum
nitrate. Use sodium nitrate paste as the salt bridge. Also, identify the
Draw a full cell diagram, a condensed cell diagram direction of electron flow and label the anode and the cathode.
and determine the cell potential for a combination of
Finally, write the net ionic equation for the reaction.
silver/silver nitrate and aluminum/aluminum nitrate. Electron Flow →

Use sodium nitrate paste as the salt bridge. Also, Motor, Lightbulb, voltmeter,
etc.

identify the direction of electron flow and label the

anode and the cathode. Anode (-) Salt Bridge, NaNO3
Cathode (+)

Al Ag

Finally, write the net ionic equation for the reaction.

Al(NO3)3(aq) AgNO3(aq)
(Al3+, NO3-) (Ag+, NO3-)

Al(s) + 3Ag+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + 3Ag(s) Eocell = 0.80V – (-1.66V) = 2.46V

5
 Electrode Potentials, Spontaneous Change and Activity Series and Reduction Potential
Equilibrium
The maximum amount of useful work that a system can do is –∆G.
–∆G = welectric (useful work) = nFEcell
∆G = -nFEcell
∆Go = -nFEocell
F = Faraday constant 96,485C/mol e- (96,485J/Vmol)
n = moles of electrons transferred in the balanced equation.

If Ecell is positive, the reaction in the forward direction (from left to

right) is spontaneous.
If Ecell is negative, the reaction in the forward direction is
nonspontaneous.
If Ecell = 0, the system is at equilibrium.
When a cell reaction is reversed, Ecell and ∆G change signs.

Question: Answer:
Using standard reduction potentials, determine whether the
Using standard reduction potentials, determine following reactions are spontaneous under standard conditions:
whether the following reactions are Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + H2(g)
spontaneous under standard conditions: Cl2(g) + 2I-(aq) → 2Cl-(aq) + I2(s)

Cu(s) + 2H+ (aq) → Cu2+ (aq) + H2(g)

2H+(aq) + 2e- → H2(g) Eored = 0V
Cl2(g) + 2I-(aq) → 2Cl-(aq) + I2(s) Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Eored = 0.34V
0V – 0.34V = -0.34V Not spontaneous
Cl2(g) + 2e- → 2Cl-(aq) Eored = 1.36V
2I-(aq) → I2(s) + 2e- Eored = 0.54V
1.36V – 0.54V = +0.82V Spontaneous

Question: Answer:
a. Use standard reduction potentials to calculate the standard free-energy change,
a. Use standard reduction potentials to calculate the ∆Go, for the following reaction:
4Ag(s) + O2(g) + 4H+(aq) → 4Ag+(aq) + 2H2O(l)
standard free-energy change, ∆Go, for the following b. Suppose the reaction in part “a” were written as
reaction: 2Ag(s) + ½ O2(g) + 2H+(aq) → 2Ag+(aq) + H2O(l)
4Ag(s) + O2(g) + 4H+(aq) → 4Ag+(aq) + 2H2O(l) What are the values of Eo and ∆Go when the reaction is written this way?

b. Suppose the reaction in part “a” were written as

2Ag(s) + ½ O2(g) + 2H+(aq) → 2Ag+(aq) + H2O(l) a. O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e- → 2H2O(l) Eored = 1.23V
4Ag(s) → 4Ag+(aq) + 4e- Eored = 0.80V
What are the values of Eo and ∆Go when the reaction is Eocell = 1.23V – 0.80V = 0.43V
written this way? ∆Go = -nFEo = -(4)(96,480J/Vmol)(+0.43V) =
-166kJ/mol

b. Eocell doesn
doesn’’t change but
∆Go = -(2)(96,480J/Vmol)(+0.43V) = -83kJ/mol

6
From thermodynamics Questions:
∆Go = -RTlnKeq
1. Calculate (using standard reduction potentials) the
Therefore ∆Go = -RTlnKeq = -nFEocell values of ∆Go and Keq at 25oC for the reaction that
follows.
Eocell = RTlnKeq/nF R = 8.3145J/molK
3Mg(s) + 2Al3+(1M) ↔ 3Mg2+(1M) + 2Al(s)
Since Eocell is generally calculated at 25oC (298K)
Eocell = [0.025693V/n] lnKeq @25oC
2. Determine Eocell and Keq for the reaction of silver
(Where the label volts (V) = 1J/C)
metal with nitric acid. The silver is oxidized to Ag+(aq),
and nitrate ion is reduced to NO(g).

Summary of Interrelationships Between Equilibrium,

Answer:
Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
1. Calculate (using standard reduction potentials) the values of ∆Go and Keq at 25 oC for
the reaction that follows.
3Mg(s) + 2Al3+(1M) ↔ 3Mg2+(1M) + 2Al(s)
∆Go = -nFEo = -(6)(96,485J/Vmol)(-1.66V – (-2.37V)) = -411,026.1J/mol = -411kJ/mol
∆Go = -RTlnKeq lnKeq = -411,026.1J/mol/((-8.314J/molK)(298K)) = 165.899
E165.899 = Keq = 1.1x1072

2. Determine Eocell and Keq for the reaction of silver metal with nitric acid. The silver is
oxidized to Ag+(aq), and nitrate ion is reduced to NO(g).
The balanced equation is:
3Ag(s) + 4H+(aq) + NO3-(aq) → 3Ag+(aq) + NO(g) + 2H2O(l)
From the SRP chart : NO3-(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 3e- → NO(g) + 2H2O(l) = +0.956V and
3Ag+(aq) + 3e- → 3Ag(s) = +0.800V Eocell = +0.956 + (-0.800) = .156V
Eocell = [0.025693V/n] lnKeq lnKeq = 3(.156V)/0.025693V = 18.215
Keq= e18.215 = 8.1x107 (note that the coefficients of 3 for the silver half reaction did not alter the half cell potential)

The Nernst Equation

Effects of Concentration on cell voltage (Eocell vs Ecell)
Used for calculating nonstandard cell potentials at 25oC.
Given the electrochemical cell between zinc and copper
discussed earlier, it was identified that zinc (the more active Given:
metal) is oxidized to Zn2+ ions and copper is reduced from Cu2+
∆G = ∆Go + RT lnQ substituting
ions to Cu(s).
-nFEcell = -nFEocell + RT lnQ
If the initial concentration of Cu2+ is increased and Zn2+ is
decreased the effect is to raise the potential for the reaction in the Ecell = Eocell – (RT/nF) lnQ
forward direction.
At 25oC
You can think of this as the solution wanting “that much more” to
reduce the copper ion concentration and increase the zinc ion
concentration (Le Chatelier’s Principle). Here are some examples: Ecell = Eocell – (0.025693V/n)lnQ or more commonly
Zn(s) + Cu2+(1.5M) ↔ Zn2+(0.075M) + Cu(s) Ecell = 1.142V Ecell = Eocell – (0.0592V/n)logQ
Zn(s) + Cu2+(1.0M) ↔ Zn2+(1.0M) + Cu(s) Eocell = 1.103V
Zn(s) + Cu2+(0.075M) ↔ Zn2+(1.5M) + Cu(s) Ecell = 1.064V n is the number of electrons involved in the cell reaction.

7
 Concentration Cells
The Nernst equation works even if the two half cells are identical.
Cu(s)|Cu2+(aq)||Cu2+(aq)|Cu(s)
The standard potential (for 1M solutions) is expected to be zero.
Cu(s)|Cu2+(1.0M)||Cu2+(1.0M)|Cu(s)
Eocell = 0.340V – 0.340V = 0V
But if the solutions have nonstandard molarities, such as
Cu(s)|Cu2+(.025M)||Cu2+(1.5M)|Cu(s)
Ecell = Eocell – (0.0592V/n)logQ
Ecell = 0V – (0.0592V/2)log(.025/1.50) = 0.0524V
The reaction progresses in such a way as to increase the ion
concentration of the lower molarity solution and decrease the ion
concentration of the higher molarity solution. This means in this
case the copper at the .025M solution is oxidized.

Question:
Answer:
Use the Nernst equation to determine Ecell at 25oC for
Use the Nernst equation to determine Ecell at 25oC for the following
the following voltaic cell: voltaic cell:
Cu(s)|Cu2+(1.0M)||Cl-(0.25M)|Cl2(g,0.50atm)|Pt(s) Cu(s)|Cu2+(1.0M)||Cl-(0.25M)|Cl2(g,0.50atm)|Pt(s)

Oxidation Half Reaction: Cu → Cu2+ + 2e- (SRP Eo = +0.340V

Reduction Half Reaction: Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl- (SRP Eo = +1.358V)
Eocell = 1.358 – 0.34 = 1.018V
Ecell = Eocell – (0.0592V/n)logQ
Ecell = 1.018V – (0.0592V/2)log[(1.0)(0.25)2/(0.50)]
Ecell = 1.018V – (-.02673) = 1.045V

Primary (nonrechargeable) Batteries (1.5V) Alkaline Batteries

Le Clanché KOH is used instead of NH4Cl

Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e- Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) → ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s)

2MnO2(s) + 2NH4+(aq) + 2e- → Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(aq) + 2H2O

Large currents cause build up of NH3 gas at carbon cathode

Causes voltage drop from insulation

8
 Mercury (HgO) “button” batteries (~1.3V) Lead-Acid Battery (12V)
Zn(s) + 2OH-(aq) → Zn(OH)2(s) + 2e- Pb(s) + HSO4-(aq) → PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e-
HgO(s) + H2O + 2e- → Hg(l) + 2OH-(aq) PbO2(s) + 3H+(aq) + HSO4-(aq) + 2e- → PbSO4(s) + 2H2O
Overall: Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2HSO4-(aq) → PbSO4(s) + 2H2O
Overall: Zn(s) + HgO(s) + H2O → Zn(OH)2(s) + Hg(l)
Often Ag2O is used in place of HgO Recharging can cause electrolysis of H2O: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) +
O2(g)

5 cells at 2.4V each

Fuel Cells:
Other types of batteries:

2H2(g) + 4OH-(aq) → 4H2O + 4e-

Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium)
O2(g) + 2H2O + 4e- → 4OH-(aq)
2NiO(OH)(s) + 2H2O(l) + 2e- → 2Ni(OH)2(s) + 2OH-(aq)
Overall: 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O
Cd(s) + 2OH-(aq) → Cd(OH)2(s) + 2e-
Suffers from: weight, toxic metals and “memory”

In NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)

Anode consists of metal alloy (e.g. ZrNi2)

In Li-ion (Lithium Ion) batteries, lithium ions migrate between

layered materials.

Cathodic Protection Corrosion of an Iron Piling

Using a more active metal (sacrificial anode) to protect a less active
metal

9
 Example: Answer:
Two electrochemical cells are connected as shown. Since these connected cells have opposing current flow,
Specifically, the zinc electrodes of the two cells are the one that “wins” will be the one with the greater cell
joined, as are the copper electrodes. Will there be potential.
a) no current,
b) a flow of electrons in the direction of the red arrows, From the Nernst equation, [Ecell = Eocell –
or (0.0592V/n)logQ], the cell with the smaller anode molarity
c) a flow of electrons in the direction of the blue and higher cathode molarity will have the greater
arrows? nonstandard cell potential. Therefore, electrons will flow
from the zinc electrode that is immersed in the 0.10M
e- e- Zn2+ ion solution which is consistent with the red arrows.
Zn(s) |Zn2+(1M)||Cu2+(0.10M)|Cu (s) Zn(s)|Zn2+(0.10M)||Cu2+(1.0M)|Cu(s)

e- e-

Electrolysis Electroplating: Plating a more “precious”

metal onto the surface of a base metal or
other object.
Using electrical energy to drive a reaction in a
nonspontaneous direction. Important Note: In electrolytic
cells, the anode is still the site of
oxidation (as always), but is
considered to be positive (+), while
the cathode is negative (-).

In the schematic of the battery in

the diagram (the series of long
and short vertical lines [that
represent battery “cells”], the
long line at the outer edge is
positive and the short line at the
Purification of copper process opposite outer edge is negative.
Copper ions are more “reducible” than zinc or iron ions

Chlor-alkali Process for Electrolysis reactions can be predicted by analyzing

producing Cl2(g) , H2(g) and possible oxidation reduction reactions and choosing the
NaOH(aq)
one that can be accomplished with the lowest voltage.
Factors can affect the voltages required for electrolysis
2Na+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + 2H2O(l) →
2Na+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) + H2(g) + Cl2(g)
and the species oxidized and reduced such as:
The NaOH must stay separate Nonstandard solutions
from the Cl2 to prevent
disproportionation to ClO- and Interactions at the electrodes (particularly with
Cl- gases) that require a greater voltage than
H2 must remain separate from
necessary for electrolysis (such as with oxygen).
Cl2 (mixture can be explosive). This is known as overvoltage.
Electrodes that take part in electrolysis are known as
Anode made from treated Ti
metal. Cathode is an
active. Those that do not (such as Pt) are known as
asbestos/polymer mixture passive.
deposited on steel wire mesh.

10
Questions: Answer:
Predict the electrolysis reaction when KBr(aq) is Predict the electrolysis reaction when KBr(aq) is electrolyzed using
platinum electrodes.
electrolyzed using platinum electrodes.
K+(aq) + e- → K(s) Eo = -2.924V Reduction
2Br-(aq) → Br2(l) + 2e- Eo = -1.065V Oxidation
Predict the electrolysis reaction when AgNO3(aq) is 2H2O(l) + 2e- → H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) Eo = -0.828V Reduction
electrolyzed using a silver anode and a copper cathode.
What is the approximate external voltage required for the 2H2O(l) + 2Br-(aq) → Br2(l) + H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)
electrolysis?

Answer:
Current, Voltage and
Predict the electrolysis reaction when AgNO3(aq) is electrolyzed using a silver
anode and a copper cathode. What is the approximate external voltage Electrochemistry
required for the electrolysis?
Faraday Constant (F) = 96,480 C/mol e-
(anode) Ag(s) → Ag+(aq) + e- Eo = -0.800V (oxidation)
Gives the amount of charge (in coulombs that
(cathode) Cu(s) + e- → Cu- Will not happen
exist in 1 mole of electrons passing through a
Ag+(aq) + e- → Ag(s) Eo = +0.800V (reduction) circuit.
2H2O(l) + 2e- → H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) Eo = -0.828V Reduction
NO3-(aq) will not be reduced w/o the presence of H+. It will not be Another Useful Equation:
oxidized as N is in its highest oxidation state, +5. Ohm’s Law: V = I x R
(Also written as E = I x R)
The applied voltage must overcome the natural tendency for the
Where V (or E) = voltage (electrical potential)
reaction Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) which has an Eocell = +0.800
I is current (in amperes (coulomb/sec))
+ (-0.340) = .460V, therefore the voltage must be > .460V
And R is the resistance (in ohms)

1volt = 1joule/coulomb

Example problem:
Example problem:
How many hours would it take to produce 75.0g of
How many grams of copper are deposited on the metallic chromium by the electrolytic reduction of Cr3+
cathode of an electrolytic cell if an electric current of with a current of 2.25A?
2.00A is run through a solution of CuSO4 for a period of
20min?
Answer:
Answer:
75.0g Cr/(52.0g/mol) = 1.44mol Cr
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)
mol e- = (1.44mol Cr)(3mol e-/1mol Cr) = 4.32mol e-
2.00A = 2.00C/s
20min (60s/min) = 1200s Coulombs = (4.32mol e-)(96,480C/mol) = 416,793.6C
Coulombs of e- = (2.00C/s)(1200s) = 2400C (4.17x105C)
mol e- = (2400C)(1mol/96,480C) = .025mol Seconds = (4.17x105C)/(2.25C/s) = 1.85x105s
(.025mol e-)(1mol Cu/2mol e- ) = .0125mol Cu Hours = (1.85x105s)(1hr/3600s) = 51.5 hours
g Cu = (.0125mol Cu)(63.55g/mol) = .79g

11