Chapter 18, Problem 18.4VC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: For the given reaction in the diagram, the mass of the copper electrode in the galvanic cell.

Concept introduction:

A reducing agent is the chemical species that under goes a chemical reaction which losses one or more electrons to another chemical species or atom.

We can say it one compound in an oxidation – reduction (redox) reaction.

The reducing agent is losing electron and it said to be oxidized.

Redox reaction are those in which oxidation number changes.

• Electro chemical cell (Galvanic cell) transform the energy released by a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical-energy that can be used to perform work.
• The oxidative and reductive half-reactions usually occur in separate compartments that are connected by an external electrical circuit; in addition, a second connection that allows ions to flow between the compartments (shown here as a vertical dashed line to represent a porous barrier) is necessary to maintain electrical neutrality.
• The potential difference between the electrodes (voltage) causes electrons to flow from the reluctant to the oxidant through the external circuit, generating an electric current. In an electrolytic cell (right), an external source of electrical energy is used to generate a potential difference between the electrodes that forces electrons to flow, driving a nonspontaneous redox reaction; only a single compartment is employed in most applications.
• In both kinds of electrochemical cells, the anode is the electrode at which the oxidation half-reaction occurs, and the cathode is the electrode at which the reduction half-reaction occurs