CHEM 1C Chapter Notes - Chapter 20: Nernst Equation, Hydride, Sodium Chloride
Document Summary
Electrons flow away from a negative charge and towards a positive charge. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, reduction is the gain of electrons. Oxidation corresponds to an increase in oxidation state, and reduction corresponds to a decrease in oxidation state. Redox reactions must balance both number of each atom and charge. Aqueous redox balanced through half-reaction method of balancing, two reactions: 1) oxidation 2) reduction. 20. 3 voltaic (or galvanic) cells: generating electricity from spontaneous chemical reactions. Electrical current = the flow of electric charge. Electrochemical cell = a device that generates electricity through redox reactions. Voltaic (or galvanic) cell = produces electrical current from a spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolytic cell = consumes electrical current to drive a nonspontaneous chemical reaction. Half-cell = one of two electrodes in a galvanic cell, two half-cells make an oxidizing-reducing couple. Electrodes = conductive surfaces through which electrons can enter or leave the half-cells.
