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Nikita Parmar

Updated on 27th July, 2023 , 4 min read

Electrochemical Cell: Definitions, Examples, Electrochemistry, Classifications, Types, Salt Bridge, Functions, and Uses

Electrochemical Cell Overview

An electrochemical cell is a device that can utilize electrical energy to promote chemical processes inside it or create electrical energy from those reactions. These gadgets can change chemical energy into electrical energy, or the other way around. Galvanic cells, or voltaic cells, are those that may produce an electric current as a result of chemical processes taking place inside them. Alternately, electrolytic cells undergo chemical reactions when an electric current is passed through them.

What is an Electrochemical Cell?

An electrochemical cell is a device that can either produce electrical energy from chemical processes or use chemical reactions to generate electrical power. These cells can also be stimulated with electrical energy to initiate chemical processes. The earliest investigations on the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy were conducted by Luigi Galvani (1780) and Alessandro Volta (1800), hence the titles Galvanic Cell and Voltaic Cell.

Voltaic or galvanic electrochemical cells are those that produce an electric current; electrolytic cells, on the other hand, are those that produce chemical processes, such as electrolysis. In terms of oxidation and reduction processes, galvanic and electrolytic cells may be thought of as having two half-cells. Below is a schematic showing the components of an electrochemical cell-

Electrochemical Cel

Examples of Electrochemical Cell

The typical 1.5-volt cell, which powers numerous electrical devices like TV remote controls and clocks, is an example of an electrochemical cell. Galvanic cells, or voltaic cells, are those that may produce an electric current as a result of chemical processes taking place inside them.

What is Electrochemistry?

The study of chemical reactions that transport electrons is known as electrochemistry. It deals with how electrical energy and chemical transformation interact. Example: Electrochemistry includes the study of Electrochemical cells. Cells that transform chemical energy into electrical energy are involved.

Electrochemical Cel

Classifications of Electrochemical Cell

cathode and an anode are the typical components of an electrochemical cell. The following table lists the main characteristics of the cathode and the anode-

Anode

Cathode

It is denoted by a negative sign (-).

It is denoted by a positive sign (+).

Electrons are released in this instance.

Electrons are used.

The oxidation process takes place.

An electrochemical cell's cathode experiences a reduction process.

The anode, which represents an electrochemical cell, must always be displayed on the left.

The cathode must always be displayed on the right side.

Electrons leave the anode.

The cathode receives electrons.

Read more about the Electrochemical Series and Spectrochemical Series.

Types of Electrochemical Cell

There are two main types of Electrochemical Cells, which are as follows-these Electrochemical cellsthis Electrochemical cell

  1. Electrolytic Cells
  2. Galvanic Cell (also known as Voltaic Cell)

Electrochemical Cel

The fundamental distinctions between electrolytic and galvanic cells are listed in the table below-

Electrolytic Cell

Galvanic Cell / Voltaic Cell

In these cells, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.

In these Electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.

These cells have a cathode that is negatively charged and an anode that is positively charged.

These Electrochemical cell have a positively charged cathode and a negatively charged anode.

In these cells, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.

In these Electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.

Electrons come from an outside source, such as a battery.

The species that undergoes oxidation is where the electrons come from.

What is Salt Bridge?

The salt bridge is a U-shaped tube that is filled with saturated KCL and agar-agar solution and has cotton plugs on both ends that are then inserted into the two containers of the electrochemical cell.

Functions of Salt Bridge in Electrochemical Cell

The following are some of the functions of the salt bridge in electrochemical cellscells-

  1. Two half-cell solutions are kept electrically neutral by a salt bridge: The salt bridge's primary job is to maintain the cell's electrical neutrality. The cell ceases to function as a result of Zn2+ ions building up in the first container and SO42- ions building up in the second container. The salt bridge simply restarts the cell by supplying cations to the second container to neutralize the SO42- and anions to the first container to neutralize the Zn2+.
  2. Eliminates Liquid Junction Potential: The salt bridge's third purpose is to reduce or nearly completely eliminate the liquid junction potential that develops due to ion diffusion at the interface between the electrolyte salt solution and the salt bridge's ends.
  3. Complete the electrical connection using a salt bridge: The salt bridge links the two solutions of the half cells, and a wire connects their electrodes to complete the electrical circuit. The salt bridge completes the circuit as a result.

Electrochemical Cel

Uses of Electrochemical Cell

The following are some of the applications of Electrochemical Cells-

  1. By putting molten sodium chloride in an electrolytic cell and running an electric current through it, metallic sodium may be recovered from the solution.
  2. Electrolytic cells are used to manufacture high-purity lead, zinc, aluminum, and copper.
  3. Galvanic cells are a common component of many widely used commercial batteries, including lead-acid batteries.
  4. In many isolated areas, fuel cells are a valuable kind of electrochemical cell that provides clean energy.
  5. Many non-ferrous metals are electrorefined using electrolytic cells. In order to electro-wine these metals, they are also used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do electrolytic cells work?

A kind of electrochemical cell known as an electrolytic cell uses electric currents to speed up the cell's process. Electrolysis is the term used to describe the chemical process inside these cells. Bauxite may be broken down into aluminum and other components using electrolytic cells. These cells may also be used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

What Sets Cathode and Anode Apart from One Another?

Reduction takes place at the cathode of an electrochemical cell. Typically, it is shown as a positive (+) symbol. From the anode, electrons go to the cathode. The anode is the electrode in an electrochemical Cell where oxidation takes place. A negative (-) symbol is used to indicate it.

A salt bridge is a structure that joins the two halves of a cell and contains a strong electrolyte. It maintains the two halves of an electrochemical cell's electrical neutrality.

A salt bridge is a structure that joins the two halves of a cell and contains a strong electrolyte. It maintains the two halves of an electrochemical cell's electrical neutrality.

How Does a Salt Bridge Work in an Electrochemical Cell?

An electrochemical cell's circuit is completed by the salt bridge, enabling current to flow across it. Additionally, it aids in preserving the cell's overall electrical neutrality.

What is a half cell?

The half cell is a part of the complete cell where the electrochemical reaction takes place. It has an electrode suspended in a particular electrolyte's solution.

Is positivity at the anode or negativity at the cathode in an electrochemical cell possible?

The anode is positively charged in an electrolytic cell, whereas the cathode is negatively charged. Despite the negative charge, oxidation nonetheless continues to take place at the anode. These Electrochemical Cell' chemical processes are not spontaneous in any way.

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