All Flashcards
What is the effect of a positive E°cell?
The reaction is spontaneous (thermodynamically favorable).
What is the effect of a negative E°cell?
The reaction is non-spontaneous (thermodynamically unfavorable).
What happens to ΔG° when E°cell is positive?
ΔG° becomes negative.
What happens to the equilibrium constant K, when ΔG° is negative?
The equilibrium constant K, becomes greater than 1, indicating that products are favored at equilibrium.
What is the effect of increasing the concentration of reactants on cell potential?
According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing reactant concentration generally increases the cell potential (shifts the equilibrium towards product formation).
Define cell potential.
The driving force that pushes electrons through a circuit, measured in volts (V). Also known as electromotive force (EMF).
What is an anode?
The electrode where oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs.
What is a cathode?
The electrode where reduction (gain of electrons) occurs.
Define standard reduction potential.
The measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, expressed in volts relative to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE).
Define Faraday's constant.
The amount of electric charge carried by one mole of electrons. Approximately 96,485 C/mol e-.
Define Gibbs Free Energy change (ΔG°).
A measure of the amount of energy available in a chemical or physical system to do useful work at a constant temperature and pressure.
What is the difference between a spontaneous and non-spontaneous reaction in terms of E°cell and ΔG°?
Spontaneous: E°cell > 0, ΔG° < 0 | Non-spontaneous: E°cell < 0, ΔG° > 0
Compare and contrast oxidation and reduction.
Oxidation: Loss of electrons, occurs at the anode | Reduction: Gain of electrons, occurs at the cathode
What is the difference between standard cell potential and cell potential?
Standard cell potential is measured under standard conditions (1 M, 298 K, 1 atm), while cell potential is measured under non-standard conditions.