Cell Notation
Chemistry: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 6.7.3
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.
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)║1M AgNO3(aq)│Ag(s)
Test yourself on Cell Notation
What is the cathode in this below cell? Pt[H2 (g)] | H+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)
Which of the following shows the notation of a Galvanic cell with an aluminum anode and copper cathode?
Write a cell schematic for the following cell reaction:
Mg(s) + Ni2+(aq) ⟶ Mg2+(aq) + Ni(s)2Ag+(aq) + Cu(s) ⟶ Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)