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All 11 Flashcards — Electrochemical cells
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Question
What is an electrochemical cell?
Answer
A device that links a **redox reaction** to a flow of electrons through a wire — either making electricity (voltaic) or driven by it (electrolytic).
Question
What is a voltaic (galvanic) cell?
Answer
A cell in which a **spontaneous** redox reaction converts **chemical energy into electrical energy** (a battery).
Question
What is an electrolytic cell?
Answer
A cell in which an external power supply drives a **non-spontaneous** reaction — **electrical energy into chemical energy** (electrolysis).
Question
What happens at the anode?
Answer
**Oxidation** (loss of electrons) — remember **AN OX**.
Question
What happens at the cathode?
Answer
**Reduction** (gain of electrons) — remember **RED CAT**.
Question
Electrode signs in a voltaic cell?
Answer
Anode = **negative (−)**, cathode = **positive (+)**.
Question
Electrode signs in an electrolytic cell?
Answer
Anode = **positive (+)**, cathode = **negative (−)** — the opposite of a voltaic cell.
Question
Which way do electrons flow in the external wire?
Answer
Always from the **anode to the cathode** (in both cell types).
Question
What does the salt bridge do?
Answer
Completes the circuit and keeps each half-cell **neutral**: anions move toward the anode, cations toward the cathode.
Question
Voltaic vs electrolytic — key difference?
Answer
Voltaic = **spontaneous**, makes electricity; electrolytic = **driven** by a supply, uses electricity.
Question
Half-equation for silver ions at a cathode?
Answer
$\text{Ag}^{+}(aq) + e^{-} \rightarrow \text{Ag}(s)$ — reduction (gain of one electron).
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Full study notes for Electrochemical cells
Topic 6.2 hub
Electron transfer reactions
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