CHAPTER 4. ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS 4.3
- For the following cell:
Sn|Sn2+||Ag+|Ag(a) Give the cathode half-reaction.
(b) Give the anode half-reaction.
(c) Give the overall equation for the electrochemical cell.
(d) Draw a simple sketch of the complete cell.More practice video solutions or help at http://www.everythingscience.co.za(1.) 01qj (2.) 01qk (3.) 01qm4.3 The Electrolytic cell ESCBN
In section 4.2, we saw that a chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons, can
be used to produce anelectric current. In thissection, we are going tosee whether
the ’reverse’ process applies. In other words, is it possible to use an electric current to
force a particular chemical reaction to occur, which would otherwise not take place?
The answer is ’yes’, andthe type of cell that is used to do this, is calledan electrolytic
cell.DEFINITION: Electrolytic cell
An electrolytic cell is atype of cell that uses electricity to drive a non-
spontaneous reaction.An electrolytic cell is activated by applying anelectrical potential across the anode
and cathode to force aninternal chemical reaction between the ions that are in the
electrolyte solution. This process is called electrolysis.DEFINITION: Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method of separating bonded elements and compounds
by passing an electric current through them.