Unit 11: Electrochemistry

Topics:

• electrolysis vs. galvanic cell: differences?
• set up and operation of electrolytic cells
• anode and cathode half-reactions in an electrolytic cell
• electrolysis of aqueous solutions - the possible oxidation/reduction of H₂O
• electroplating
• quantifying electrolysis using time, current, and moles electrons transferred
• set up and operation of a galvanic cell
• anode and cathode half-reactions in a galvanic cell
• cell diagrams
• electromotive force and the volt
• reduction (or oxidation) potentials (E*) and cell potentials (E*_cell)
• using reduction/oxid. potentials to determine which substances are more easily reduced or oxidized and which are better reducing/oxidizing agents
• determining spontaneity and energy available for work from E*_cell and delta G*
• calculating an equilibrium constant for a galvanic cell
• using the Nernst equation to determine the effect of nonstandard concentrations on cell potentials
• galvanic cells in use: batteries
• corrosion of metals and its prevention