6.7.3

Cell Notation

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Cell Notation

Abbreviated symbolism is commonly used to represent a galvanic cell by providing essential information on its composition and structure.

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Guidelines

  • Cell notations are written following a few guidelines:
    • The relevant components of each half-cell are represented by their chemical formulas or element symbols.
    • All interfaces between component phases are represented by vertical parallel lines.
    • If two or more components are present in the same phase, their formulas are separated by commas.
    • The schematic begins with the anode and proceeds left-to-right identifying phases and interfaces encountered within the cell, ending with the cathode.
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Example

  • Taking the example of the galvanic cell based on the reaction between copper and silver(I) ions:
    • The cell consists of a solid copper anode (left) immersed in an aqueous solution of copper(II) nitrate.
    • The cell is connected via a salt bridge to an aqueous silver(I) nitrate solution, immersed in which is a solid silver cathode (right).
  • Converting this statement to symbolism following the above guidelines results in the cell schematic:
    • Cu(s)│1M Cu(NO3)2(aq)â•‘1M AgNO3(aq)│Ag(s)
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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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