Chapter 21, Problem 76A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for the metal wire not being used for connecting the half-cells of a voltaic vell needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In electrochemistry, the relationship between electrical potential differences and potential differences due to chemical change is explained. The two types of cells that can be studied in electrochemistry are electrolytic cells and voltaic cells.

Explanation of Solution

In a voltaic cell, two electrodes are acting as two half-cells. At the anode, oxidation takes place and reduction occurs at the cathode. Here, a spontaneous redox reaction takes place due to which a continuous flow of electrons takes place through the conductor. Here, cathode and anode electrodes are placed in different containers connected via salt bridges. Here, the function of the salt bridge is to maintain electrical neutrality. It prevents the equilibrium in cell reaction. If copper or any other metal wire is used, it cannot transport ions; thus, the electrolyte cannot transport electrons.