Electrochemistry & Redox — 60 Terms Defined

Anode Electrochemistry & Redox Dimensionless The electrode at which oxidation occurs.

Anodising Electrochemistry & Redox μm An electrolytic process that thickens the natural protective oxide layer on a metal, especially aluminium. 2Al + 3H₂O → Al₂O₃ + 6H⁺ + 6e⁻

Calomel Electrode Electrochemistry & Redox V A reference electrode based on the equilibrium between mercury, mercury(I) chloride and chloride ions. Hg₂Cl₂ + 2e⁻ ⇌ 2Hg + 2Cl⁻

Cathode Electrochemistry & Redox Dimensionless The electrode at which reduction occurs.

Cathodic Protection Electrochemistry & Redox V The prevention of corrosion by forcing the metal to be protected to act as a cathode.

Cell Notation Electrochemistry & Redox Dimensionless A shorthand convention for representing an electrochemical cell using vertical lines for phase boundaries. Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) ‖ Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu(s)

Cell Potential Electrochemistry & Redox V The difference in electrical potential between the two electrodes of an electrochemical cell. E_cell = E_red(cathode) − E_red(anode)

Concentration Cell Electrochemistry & Redox V A galvanic cell in which both electrodes are identical and the potential arises solely from a difference in concentration. E = (0.0592/n) log(C₂/C₁)

Conductometric Titration Electrochemistry & Redox S/m A titration in which the end point is found from changes in the conductivity of the solution.

Corrosion Electrochemistry & Redox mm/year The gradual destruction of a metal by electrochemical reaction with its environment.

Daniell Cell Electrochemistry & Redox V The classic galvanic cell consisting of a zinc electrode in zinc sulfate and a copper electrode in copper sulfate. Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu, E° = 1.10 V

Decomposition Potential Electrochemistry & Redox V The minimum voltage that must be applied to an electrolytic cell before continuous electrolysis begins.

Dry Cell Electrochemistry & Redox V A primary cell using a moist paste rather than a liquid electrolyte, so it can be used in any orientation. Zn + 2MnO₂ + 2NH₄⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Mn₂O₃ + 2NH₃ + H₂O

Electrochemical Cell Electrochemistry & Redox V A device in which a redox reaction and an electric current are interconverted through two separated electrodes.

Electrochemical Equivalent Electrochemistry & Redox g/C The mass of a substance liberated by the passage of one coulomb of charge. Z = M / (nF)

Electrochemical Series Electrochemistry & Redox V A list of redox couples arranged in order of their standard electrode potentials.

Electrochemistry Electrochemistry & Redox V The study of the relationship between chemical change and electrical energy.

Electrode Electrochemistry & Redox Dimensionless A conductor through which electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte.

Electrolysis Electrochemistry & Redox C The decomposition of an electrolyte by passing an electric current through it.

Electrolyte Electrochemistry & Redox S/m A substance that produces mobile ions when dissolved or molten and therefore conducts electricity.

Electrolytic Cell Electrochemistry & Redox V An electrochemical cell in which an external electrical supply drives a non-spontaneous redox reaction. E°cell < 0

Electrolytic Conductivity Electrochemistry & Redox S/m The ability of an electrolyte solution to conduct electric current, equal to the reciprocal of its resistivity. κ = (1/R)(l/A)

Electromotive Force Electrochemistry & Redox V The maximum potential difference a cell can produce, measured when no current is being drawn. emf = E_cathode − E_anode

Electroplating Electrochemistry & Redox g The deposition of a thin metal coating onto a conducting surface by electrolysis.