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INDEX

⦁ Introduction
⦁ Types of Electrochemical Cells
⦁ Basic Components of an Electrochemical Cell
⦁ Construction of a Galvanic Cell
⦁ Working of Galvanic Cell
⦁ Nernst Equation
⦁ Factors Affecting Cell Potential
⦁ Applications of Electrochemical Cells
⦁ Experimental Work
⦁ Objective
⦁ Materials
⦁ Procedure
⦁ Observations
⦁ Calculations
⦁ Results
⦁ Conclusion
⦁ Bibliography

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Introduction
Electrochemical cells are devices that convert
chemical energy into electrical energy, or vice versa.

They play a crucial role in various applications, from


powering everyday batteries to industrial processes
like electrolysis.
Understanding electrochemical cells helps us
appreciate their significance in energy conversion
and storage.

Electrochemical cells operate on the principle of


redox reactions, where one species is oxidized (loses
electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons).

The difference between the two electrode generates


an electric current

Types of Electrochemical Cells

Galvanic Cells

⦁ Definition: Galvanic cell as a device that converts


the chemical energy of the redox reaction to
electrical energy, this is a type of electrochemical
cell that uses electrolytes to produce the electrical
energy.
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⦁ Example: The Daniell cell, which consists of a zinc
electrode in a zinc sulfate solution and a copper
electrode in a copper sulfate solution.

Electrolytic Cells

⦁ Definition:An Electrolytic Cell is a device that


converts electrical energy into chemical energy.
It means it already has the power supply which
is used in ‘lysis’ means the breaking of
electrolytes into ions which then moves
towards electrodes to constitute current and
produce electrical energy.
In an electrolytic cell, Anode is +ve while Cathode
is -ve. In this type of cell, the flow of electrons is
from Anode to Cathode.

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⦁ Example: Electrolysis of water to produce
hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Basic Components of an Electrochemical


Cell
⦁ Anode: The electrode where oxidation
occurs. Electrons are released here.
⦁ Cathode: The electrode where reduction
occurs. Electrons are accepted here.
⦁ Electrolyte : An electrolyte is a substance that
dissociates in water into charged particles called
ions. Positively charged ions are called cations.
Negatively charged ions are called anions.
⦁ Salt Bridge: It is a junction that connects the
anodic and cathodic compartments present in a
cell or electrolytic solution.

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Construction of a Galvanic Cell
Materials Required

⦁ Zinc electrode
⦁ Copper electrode
⦁ Zinc sulfate solution

⦁ Copper sulfate solution


⦁ Salt bridge (often filled with agar and KNO₃)
⦁ Beakers
⦁ Connecting wires and a voltmeter

Procedure

⦁ Set up two beakers, one with zinc sulfate and the


other with copper sulfate.
⦁ Place the zinc electrode in the zinc sulfate solution
and the copper electrode in the copper sulfate
solution.
⦁ Connect the two half-cells using a salt bridge.
⦁ Connect the electrodes to a voltmeter to measure the cell potential.

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Working of Galvanic Cell

Nernst Equation

The Nernst equation relates the cell potential to the


concentrations of the reactants and products:

Where:
⦁ E = cell potential under non-standard conditions
⦁ E∘ = standard cell potential
⦁ R = universal gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
⦁ T= temperature in Kelvin
⦁ n= number of moles of electrons transferred
⦁ F= Faraday's constant (96485 C/mol)
⦁ Q = reaction quotient

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Factors Affecting Cell Potential
⦁ Concentration: The concentration of the electrolyte
directly affects the performance of an
electrochemical cell in several ways. Higher
electrolyte concentration increases ionic
conductivity, allowing for a greater flow of ions
between the electrodes, which enhances current
output. It can also elevate the cell potential
according to the Nernst equation, improving voltage
stability during operation.

⦁ Temperature: Temperature significantly influences


the performance of electrochemical cells through
several mechanisms. Higher temperatures typically
increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to
faster reaction rates at the electrodes, which can
enhance overall cell performance.
⦁ Pressure Pressure significantly influences the
performance of electrochemical cells through
various mechanisms. In cells involving gaseous
reactants, such as fuel cells, increased pressure can

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enhance the concentration of reactants, leading to
higher reaction rates and improved current output.
This is particularly relevant in reactions where gases
participate, as higher pressure can shift the
equilibrium toward product formation.

Applications of Electrochemical Cells


⦁ Batteries: Electrochemical cells are fundamental to
the functioning of batteries, which store and provide
electrical energy. Common types include:
⦁ Lithium-Ion Batteries: Widely used in
smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles
due to their high energy density and
rechargeability.


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LeadAcid Batteries: Common in automotive
applications for starting and powering
vehicles, as well as in uninterruptible power
supplies (UPS).
⦁ Fuel Cells: These convert the chemical
energy of fuels (usually hydrogen and
oxygen) directly into electrical energy.
Fuel cells are utilized in:
⦁ Transportation: Hydrogen fuel cells power
vehicles, offering a clean alternative to
traditional fossil fuels.

⦁ Stationary Power Generation: Fuel cells can


provide reliable energy for buildings and
facilities.

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⦁ Electroplating: This process uses electrochemical
cells to deposit a layer of metal onto a surface,
enhancing appearance and providing protection
against corrosion. Common applications include
jewelry, automotive parts, and electronic
components.

⦁ Corrosion Prevention: Electrochemical cells are


used in cathodic protection systems to prevent
corrosion of metal structures, such as pipelines and
storage tanks. This involves applying a small electric
current to counteract the electrochemical reactions
that cause corrosion.

⦁ Sensors and Biosensors: Electrochemical cells


are integral to the development of sensors that
detect specific substances, including glucose
sensors for diabetes management and
environmental monitoring devices.

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⦁ Electrolysis: Electrochemical cells are employed
in electrolysis to break down substances. This
process is crucial in:

⦁ Water Splitting: Producing hydrogen and


oxygen gases from water, which can be
used as clean energy sources.

⦁ Metal Extraction: Extracting metals


from ores, such as aluminum from
bauxite.

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Experimental Work
⦁ Objective: To investigate the electrochemical
reaction between copper and zinc electrodes.

⦁ Materials:
⦁ Copper wire (Cu)
⦁ Zinc metal strip (Zn)
⦁ 1M Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution
⦁ 1M Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution
⦁ Salt bridge
⦁ Voltmeter
⦁ Ammeter
⦁ Wires and connectors

⦁ Procedure:

⦁ Prepare the Cu and Zn electrodes.


⦁ Fill two containers with CuSO4 and ZnSO4 solutions.
⦁ Connect the electrodes to the voltmeter and ammeter.
⦁ Measure the initial voltage (EMF) and current.
⦁ Record observations and data.

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⦁ Observations
TIME VOLTAGE(v) CURRENT(Ma)

0 1.10 50

10 1.08 45

20 1.05 40

30 1.02 35

40 0.98 30

⦁ Calculations
Power (P) = Voltage (V) x (Current (mA) / 1000)
TIME(min) VOLTAGE(V) CURRENT(mA) POWER(mW)

0 1.10 50 55

10 1.08 45 48.6

20 1.05 40 42

30 1.02 35 35.7

40 0.98 30 29.4

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⦁ Results

The experiment verifies the oxidation-reduction reactions


and EMF generation.

Conclusion
This project on electrochemical cells demonstrates their vital
role in converting chemical energy into electrical energy
through redox reactions.
By constructing a galvanic cell, we observed how factors like
concentration and temperature affect cell potential.
The findings highlight the importance of electrochemical cells
in everyday applications, from batteries to fuel cells, and
their potential in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Bibliography
⦁ Websites: Khan Academy, ChemCollective.

⦁ Class 12 NCERT chemistry text book

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