6.7.1

Introduction to Electrochemical Cells

Test yourself

Electrochemical Cells

An electrochemical cell can be used to make an electrical current.

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How is a current made?

  • There are two processes happening in a cell: oxidation and reduction.
    • One metal is oxidized and gives up electrons.
    • In the other side of the cell, the other metal accepts these electrons.
  • The electrons travel from one side of the cell to the other via the wire, which is the electrical current.
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Electrodes

  • Often, you’ll use an electrode that is made of the same metals that are being oxidized or reduced.
  • But you don’t have to, and if one of your equations doesn’t involve a solid being formed or lost, you’ll need to use a different metal.
    • In these circumstances, we use a platinum electrode because they are inert and so don’t tend to react with anything.
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OIL RIG

  • OIL RIG is a useful mnemonic for remembering the difference between oxidation and reduction:
    • Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons).
    • Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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