Half-Cells and Cell Potential
- Electrochemical cells are made up of two half-cells. Each of these half-cells has an electrode submerged in an electrolyte.
- Both half-cells can utilize the same electrolyte.
- These half-cells are linked by a salt bridge, which serves as a platform for ionic communication between them without allowing them to combine.
- A salt bridge is a piece of filter paper soaked in potassium nitrate or sodium chloride.
- One-half cell of the electrochemical cell loses electrons owing to oxidation, while the other receives electrons through reduction.
- It is worth noting that an equilibrium reaction happens in both half cells, and once attained, the net voltage becomes 0 and the cell stops producing power.
- The electrode potential describes how an electrode loses or absorbs electrons when it comes into contact with an electrolyte. The values of these potentials can be used to forecast the overall cell potential.
- Electrode potentials are often measured using a regular hydrogen electrode as a reference electrode (an electrode of known potential).
Electrochemical Cells
Electrochemical Cell is a device that may either generate electrical energy from chemical reactions or use electrical energy that is supplied to it to speed up chemical reactions. There are various types of electrochemical cells and they are used in our daily activities such as cells that are used in Watches, TV remotes, Clocks, etc.
In this article, we will learn about the basic concepts and topics of electrochemical cell, its representation, diagram, working principle, structure and notation. We will also explore the parts, types, and applications of electrochemical cell, along with its difference from electrolytic cell in detail.
Table of Content
- What is an Electrochemical Cell?
- Half-Cells and Cell Potential
- Primary and Secondary Cells
- Electrochemical Cell Types
- Salt Bridge
- Electrochemical Cell and Electrolytic Cell- Difference