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Galvanic Cell quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • What is the main function of a galvanic (voltaic) cell?
    A galvanic cell converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions.
  • Where does oxidation occur in a galvanic cell?
    Oxidation occurs at the anode, where electrons are lost.
  • Where does reduction occur in a galvanic cell?
    Reduction occurs at the cathode, where electrons are gained.
  • What is the charge of the anode and cathode in a galvanic cell?
    The anode is negatively charged, and the cathode is positively charged.
  • What happens to the mass of the anode and cathode over time in a galvanic cell?
    The anode loses mass as it dissolves, while the cathode gains mass as cations plate onto it.
  • What is the purpose of the salt bridge in a galvanic cell?
    The salt bridge allows the flow of neutral spectator ions to maintain charge balance and complete the circuit.
  • How do electrons flow in a galvanic cell?
    Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through the external circuit.
  • What does a positive standard cell potential (E°cell) indicate about a galvanic cell?
    A positive E°cell indicates the reaction is spontaneous.
  • What are the standard conditions for measuring cell potential?
    Standard conditions are 1 M concentration, 1 atm pressure, and pH 7.
  • What happens to a galvanic cell when it reaches equilibrium?
    When at equilibrium, the cell's ΔG°, E°cell, and ΔS° are zero, K equals one, and the cell is a 'dead battery.'
  • How does the salt bridge help maintain electron flow in a galvanic cell?
    It prevents charge buildup by allowing negative ions to flow toward the anode and positive ions toward the cathode.
  • What is the relationship between cell potential and the likelihood of reduction?
    The greater the cell potential, the more likely reduction will occur at that electrode.
  • What periodic trends are important for galvanic cell operation?
    Low ionization energy at the anode and high electron affinity at the cathode favor electron flow.
  • What are the signs of ΔG°, ΔS°, and K for a spontaneous galvanic cell reaction?
    ΔG° is negative, ΔS° is positive, and K is greater than one.
  • What does 'plating out' mean at the cathode in a galvanic cell?
    'Plating out' refers to cations in solution gaining electrons and forming a solid layer on the cathode, increasing its mass.