Chapter 20.1, Problem 11SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

All components of voltaic cell are to be identified and their function to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Electrochemistry is study of relation between electrical energy and chemical changes that takes place in redox reaction. It involves utilization of two types of cells:

1. Electrochemical cell
2. Electrolytic cell

Electrochemical cell is an instrument used to transform chemical energy produced in redox reaction into electrical energy. It is based on spontaneous redox reaction, whereas, Electrolytic cell is an instrument used to transform electrical energy into chemical energy. It is based on non-spontaneous redox reaction and occurs only when electrical energy is available.

Answer to Problem 11SSC

The major components of voltaic cells are:

• Anode
• Cathode
• Salt bridge
• External circuit

Explanation of Solution

Voltaic cell is an electrochemical cell used to convert chemical energy produced in a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. Its major components are as follows:

• Anode: is an electrode at which oxidation reaction that is loss of electron occurs.
• Cathode: is an electrode at which reduction reaction that is gain of electron occurs.
• Salt bridge: which has two major roles to play, those are:
• To complete the electrical circuit by allowing the ions to flow from one solution to the other without mixing the two solutions.
• To maintain the electrical neutrality of the solutions in the two half cells.
• External circuit: To conduct the flow of electron between two electrodes.

Conclusion

The major components of voltaic cells are:

• Anode
• Cathode
• Salt bridge
• External circuit