Discuss the functioning of an electrochemical c... - SS1 Chemistry Redox Reactions Question

An electrochemical cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions. It consists of two half-cells, an anode and a cathode, connected by an external circuit and an electrolyte solution. The anode is the site of oxidation, where a species loses electrons, while the cathode is the site of reduction, where a species gains electrons.

 

When an electrochemical cell operates, oxidation occurs at the anode, releasing electrons into the external circuit. The electrons flow through the external circuit from the anode to the cathode, generating an electric current. Meanwhile, reduction takes place at the cathode, where the electrons combine with species from the electrolyte or an external source. This flow of electrons maintains the charge balance and enables the cell to sustain the redox reactions.

 

Within the cell, the electrolyte solution serves as a medium for ion migration between the two half-cells, ensuring charge neutrality. It contains ions that can participate in the redox reactions, facilitating the transfer of charge and maintaining the flow of current. The anode and cathode are often made of different materials to create a potential difference or voltage between them, enabling the generation of electrical energy.