Chapter 21, Problem 21.134P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for faster corrosion of iron in steam and in hot water but not in cold water has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

An electrochemical cell is a device in which a redox reaction is used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Such device is also known as the galvanic or voltaic cell.

Galvanic cell consists of two half-cells. The redox reaction occurs in these half-cells. The half-cell in which the reduction reaction occurs is known as the reduction half-cell, whereas the half-cell in which the oxidation reaction occurs is known as the oxidation half-cell.

Oxidation: It is the loss of electrons by a species and thus oxidation number is increased.

Reduction: It is the gain of electrons by a species and thus oxidation number is decreased