Electrochemical cell principles from "summary" of Physical Chemistry by Robert G. Mortimer
Electrochemical cell principles are based on the fundamental laws of chemistry and thermodynamics. These principles govern the flow of electrons between chemical species in a cell, leading to the generation of electrical energy. The key players in an electrochemical cell are the two half-reactions that take place at the electrodes. At the anode, oxidation occurs as electrons are released by the oxidation of the reactant. This process results in the generation of electrons that flow through the external circuit to the cathode. At the cathode, reduction takes place as electrons are accepted by the reduction of the reactant, completing the circuit and allowing the flow of current. The driving force behind these processes is the potential difference, known as the cell potential, between the two electrodes. This potential is determined by the standard reduction potentials of the half-reactions and can be calculated using the Nernst equation. The cell potential dictates the direction of electron flow and the overall feasibility of the reaction. In addition to the cell potential, the thermodynamics of the reaction also play a crucial role in determining the efficiency of an electrochemical cell. The Gibbs free energy change of the reaction determines whether the reaction is spontaneous or non-spontaneous. A negative Gibbs free energy indicates a spontaneous reaction that can be used to generate electrical energy, while a positive value indicates a non-spontaneous reaction that requires an external energy source. Furthermore, factors such as the concentration of reactants and temperature can influence the performance of an electrochemical cell. Changes in these parameters can affect the cell potential and the rate of electron transfer, ultimately impacting the efficiency of the cell.- Electrochemical cell principles provide a framework for understanding and optimizing the performance of electrochemical cells. By considering the fundamental laws of chemistry and thermodynamics, researchers can design more efficient and sustainable energy storage devices that play a crucial role in modern society.
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