Sketch a galvanic cell, and explain how it works. Look at Figs. 18.1 and 18.5. Explain what is occurring in each container and why the cell in Fig. 18.5 “works,” but the one in Fig. 18.1 does not.
Interpretation: A galvanic cell should be sketched and how it works should be explained. Considering the figures
Concept Introduction:A Galvanic cell also known as electrochemical battery, a device that exploits a spontaneous oxidation reduction reaction to produce electrical energy. Here oxidizing agent and reducing agent has been separated, so that the electron/s generated by oxidation should travel through a wire from reducing agent to oxidizing agent.
Explanation of Solution
The galvanic cell is sketched as follows:
When reducing agent and oxidizing agent mixed together in a container, electron transfer occurs. But chemical energy generated by this cannot be used for any work. This can be achieved by separating the reducing agent and oxidizing agent and let the electron transfer happen through a wire. So electrons removing from the reducing agent will travel through the wire to the oxidizing agent. The electric current generated by the electron flow through the wire can be directed through an electronic device. To keep the net charge of each container zero, the two solutions are connected by a salt bridge which filled with strong electrolyte.
In the figure
According to the figure
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Chapter 18 Solutions
Introductory Chemistry
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