Unit 9 · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry

Chapter 9.4

Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells: Voltage from Free Energy

Separate the two halves of a redox reaction and force the electrons through a wire, and a reaction becomes a battery. The voltage on the meter is the free energy change in different units.

in preparation · lesson 44 of 45

By the end

  1. 01Explain the role of each part of a cell: electrodes, half-cells, salt bridge, and meter
  2. 02Distinguish galvanic from electrolytic cells and trace electron flow from anode to cathode
  3. 03Compute a standard cell potential from standard reduction potentials
  4. 04Relate cell potential to the free energy change and judge favorability

In unit 9

  1. 9.1Entropy: How Matter and Energy Spread Out
  2. 9.2Gibbs Free Energy, Thermodynamic Favorability, and Kinetic Control
  3. 9.3Free Energy, Equilibrium, Dissolution, and Coupled Reactions
  4. 9.4Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells: Voltage from Free Energy
  5. 9.5Cells Away from Standard Conditions, and Electrolysis
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