Chapter 20.2, Problem 19SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for suitability of lithium as anode of a battery is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Electrochemical cell is a device used to convert chemical energy produced in redox reaction into electrical energy. A battery is a series of electrochemical cells connected in series which produce electric current.

There are majorly three types of commercial cells which are as follows:

1. Primary cells
2. Secondary cells
3. Fuel cells

Primary cells are those in which redox reaction occurs once and then they cannot be used again, become dead. Example: Dry cell.

Secondary cells are those in which can be recharged again and again and can be re-used. Example is lead storage battery.

Fuel cells are those in which electrical energy is produced by combustion of fuels.

Answer to Problem 19SSC

Light mass and high capacity to power devices is possible with $\text{Li}$ as anode of battery against other metals.

Explanation of Solution

Lithium as anode of a battery is advantageous over other secondary cells like lead storage battery cells. There are 2 reasons for it, firstly, $\text{Li}$ is the lightest metal which provides an advantage of formation of light weight batteries over other metals.

Secondly, it has lowest standard reduction potential among all the metals that is $-3.04\text{ V}$.

Therefore, light mass and high capacity to power devices is possible with $\text{Li}$ as anode of battery against other metals.

Conclusion

Light mass and high capacity to power devices is possible with $\text{Li}$ as anode of battery against other metals.