Chapter 18, Problem 18.1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Production of the electrochemical cell using a lemon, penny and galvanized steel.

Concept Introduction:

• Electrochemical corrosion takes place when metal atoms become ions by losing electrons.
• Electrochemical corrosion takes place in an aqueous solution where ions are present in water.
• The process in which the electrochemical corrosion creates an electric circuit is known as an electrochemical cell.
• An electrochemical cell is able to generate energy from a chemical reaction or uses energy to produce a chemical reaction.

Explanation of Solution

• An electrochemical cell consists of an anode, cathode and an electrolytic solution.
• An oxidation reaction occurs atthe anode, and a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode. The flow of ions takes place through the electrolyte.
• Steel nail coated with zinc acts as an anode having a higher electronegativity value.
• Electrons move from zinc to copper.
• The penny acts as a cathode and contains lesser negative ions.
• The lemon fluid acts as the electrolytic solution.
• The chemical reaction between steel nail coated with zinc occurs in the lemon fluid.
• Oxidation occurs in zinc.
• Electrons are exchanged with zinc to obtain a lower energy value.
• The released energy is conveyed to the electrochemical cell.