Changing Voltage Output
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.2.2
Voltage Output of a Cell
The voltage output of a cell can be changed by changing the type of electrode, the type of electrolyte or both the type of electrode and the type of electrolyte.
Type of electrode
- A greater difference in reactivity between the two electrodes will result in the cell having a greater voltage.
Type of electrolyte
- Changing the electrolyte changes the reactions that happen at the electrodes. This will result in the voltage output of the cell changing.
Test yourself on Changing Voltage Output
What can we do to change the voltage output of a cell?
Why does changing the electrolyte in a chemical cell change the cell's voltage output?
What happens to the voltage output of a cell when the difference in reactivity between its two electrodes increases?
Select the correct statement about changing a cell's voltage output
A chemist replaces one electrode in a cell with a new electrode that has a reactivity much closer to the other electrode's reactivity. What is most likely to happen to the cell's voltage output?